[Anesthesia during pregnancy]

Abstract

The need for general or regional anesthesia due to nonobstetric surgery occurs in up to 2% of all pregnancies. Safe perioperative care is a challenge to anesthetists. Profound knowledge of physiological and pathophysiological changes during pregnancy and the possible influence of different drugs and anesthesia techniques on mother and fetus is necessary. Although data from randomized controlled trials is missing, safe anesthesia during pregnancy is well documented for nearly every operative procedure. Interdisciplinary cooperation between surgeon, obstetrician, neonatologist, and anesthetist is the key to optimal patient care.