Presented By:  Sreelata Maddipati, M.D.
February 2011

Pregnancy causes unique physiological changes and challenges to the body. The interplay of anesthesia and analgesia can exacerbate these changes and pose significant risk to mother, fetus and healthcare providers. We should have a clear awareness of what these risks are so that we can discuss them with our patients in the most sensitive way and provide them with comprehensive information to ensure this population is informed of such risks. In this webinar we discuss how to approach the subject of weight with your patients and the importance of evaluating, in advance, the presence of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We discuss appetite pre and post operative monitoring in this high risk population. Our audience will recognize the importance of proper communication, good preparation, and coordination of care between, physicians, nurses and patients.

Objectives:

• Review the physiologic changes specific to the pregnant population which may impact the way in which anesthesia and analgesia is administered
• Identify obesity and sleep apnea in advance to improve coordination of care, enhance communication, and improve the safety of this high risk population
• Introduce tools and methods to discuss obstetric/anesthetic risks with compassion
• Discuss best practices in monitoring the airway in the preoperative and postoperative period