World Clinics: Anesthesia and Analgesia in Labour and Delivery

Analgesia is the relief of pain. It can take a variety of forms including pain medication, local anaesthesia or regional block. Anaesthesia implies either unconsciousness (general anaesthesia) or complete absence of sensation (regional anaesthesia) (Healthtap.com). This second volume in the World Clinics: Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain: Analgesia and Anasthesia in Labor and Delivery series presents an evidence-based review of the topic with a focus on providing an updated understanding of the subject. The book is divided into twelve chapters, the first of which is on the history of labour analgesia. This initial chapter provides insights into improvements that have taken place in the management anaesthesia during labour and delivery. The articles on initiation and maintenance of labour analgesia provide essential updates, describing the safest and most effective forms of analgesia being practised currently. Intrapartum foetal monitoring, an important aspect of management of labour, has been dealt with in detail, and sections on troubleshooting and complications and management of labour analgesia provide useful information for the practising anaesthesiologist.This comprehensive update on anaesthesia and analgesia in labour and delivery, written by experts in the field, is an essential resource for students, interns and physicians. Key points * Part of World Clinics: Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain series * Evidence-based reviews of obstetrical analgesia and anaesthesia * Contributions from specialists in the USA, Europe and Asia * Full colour images throughout