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).Part of the World Clinics: Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain series, this book presents evidence-based reviews of current protocols in the management of labour and delivery using analgesia and/or anaesthesia.Divided into three sections, the book begins with an introduction to the basic anatomical and physiological changes in pregnancy, practical pharmacology and neonatal physiology.Section two discusses obstetric analgesia, including non-pharmacological options. The third section describes obstetric anaesthesia, including airway management in general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia for caesarean section, and management of failed spinal block. Key pointsPart of World Clinics: Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain seriesEvidence-based reviews of obstetrical analgesia and anaesthesiaContributions from specialists in the USA, Europe and Asia
