It is important to remember that the administration of any anaesthesia is associated with:

• all anaesthetics pass through the placenta to a greater or lesser extent and may adversely affect the mother and the foetus;
• anaesthesia may interfere with the contraction function of the uterus and the utero-placental blood flow;
• the time between the decision for anaesthesia and delivery may be too short.

Techniques and measures may affect the fetus:

• indirectly - through systemic changes in the mother's circulation - disturbance of utero-placental flow;
• directly - pharmacological effects of drugs passing through the placenta.

Among the anaesthetics, a distinction is made between:

Analgesics administered intramuscularly

These are drugs that relieve pain. They reduce cervical tension. They can be given at any stage of labour.

Side effects are:

• lowering blood pressure;
• slowing down of the labour;
• acceleration of the heart rate;
• temporary visual disturbances;
• nausea.

Inhalational anaesthesia

Administered in situations where the anaesthetist is not present at all times with the parturient. It is a mixture of nitrous oxide in a 50% mixture. However, it does not sufficiently abolish labour pain. Studies have shown that nearly 40% of women were not satisfied with this method after using it.

photo: pantherstock

Regional anaesthesia

Rarely used because of threatened fetal depression. Involves blocking the vulvar nerves to reduce pain.

Epidural anaesthesia

Anaesthesia performed by an anaesthetist. Preceded by the administration of a litre of fluids intravenously by the midwife. The most important moment is the insertion of a catheter through a needle into the epidural space. The medication is administered through this route. This procedure takes 10-15 minutes, with effects being felt after 20 minutes. The anaesthesia lasts for about 2 hours.