Anesthesia and the Fetus

“The book would be a valuable addition to most obstetric anaesthetic departments as well as informing paediatric anaesthetists, paediatricians and obstetricians of the current controversies regarding anaesthetic influences on foetal development and outcomes.” (Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Journal, 1 November 2013)

“I must commend the editors for their success in bringing together such an enviable international list of expert clinicians from such diverse backgrounds as anaesthesia, obstetric medicine, neonatology and human development in order to share their knowledge. This is definitely a reference book that all anaesthetic department libraries should possess.” (Anaesthesia, 15 October 2013)

“Clearly this book will be ideal for reference in departmental and hospital libraries and I will be recommending this to ours.” (The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, 12 July 2013)

“I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I would highly recommend it to every clinician involved in the care of the mother and her unborn child during pregnancy.” (Acta Paediatrica, 1 August 2013)

Preface

The care of the fetus as a patient is an emerging field that has evolved on the borders of many traditional specialties: obstetrics, perinatology, neonatology, genetics, pediatrics, pediatric surgery and midwifery. The anesthesiologist is now an important member of this team.

 It is increasingly apparent that anesthetic and related drugs given to the mother any time from the period of embryonic development and fetal growth through to early neonatal life, may affect fetal and neonatal development. Recent evidence is also emerging that anesthetic drugs may have long-term effects on the developing mammalian brain. Additionally, with advances in antenatal diagnosis and minimally-invasive surgery, a growing range of fetal disorders is becoming amenable to surgical intervention, many requiring anesthetic care. Finally, there is an enticing possibility that anesthetic drugs and procedures may themselves contribute to fetal well-being.

 Anesthesia and the Fetus integrates into one volume the multidisciplinary components of:

• fetal development
• fetal pharmacology
• assessments of fetal and neonatal outcome
• anesthesia and analgesia during pregnancy
• anesthesia and analgesia during labor
• ethics and law

 Written by an internationally renowned group of clinicians and scientists, Anesthesia and the Fetus provides a contemporary guide and reference to the role of anesthesia, and the anesthesiologist, in protecting the mother and her unborn child during pregnancy.