Recent updates in obstetric analgesia

Abstract

Analgesia for a parturient is an important element of care provided by an anesthesiologist as a member of the multidisciplinary team. Neuraxial anesthesia is considered the gold standard. With increasing evidence of safety and efficacy of various available techniques and equipment, including ultra-short–acting opioids, local anesthetics, newer combined spinal–epidural needles, monitors, patient-controlled infusion pumps, and point-of-care ultrasound, obstetric care has become less challenging with higher patient satisfaction rates and better safety profiles. Recent articles spanning the last few years on important related topics, including care of the parturient during COVID, newer developments, enhanced recovery after cesarean (ERAC) protocols, and patients with unique profiles, are discussed in this update on obstetric analgesia.

Keywords

• labor analgesia
• neuraxial blocks
• postcesarean analgesia
• regional blocks