Obstetric Anesthesia Glossary

A woman who has given birth once after 20 weeks gestation.

An automated epidural delivery method providing predetermined bolus doses at regular intervals, often combined with pati...

Itching, commonly occurring as a side effect of neuraxial opioids in obstetric anesthesia.

Regional nerve block technique targeting the pudendal nerve to provide perineal anesthesia for delivery or episiotomy re...

Modified anesthesia induction technique that minimizes the time between loss of consciousness and securing the airway to...

A non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent commonly used for rapid sequence induction in obstetric anesthesia.

A long-acting local anesthetic with reduced cardiac toxicity, commonly used for epidural anesthesia in obstetrics.

A long-acting amide local anesthetic with reduced cardiotoxicity compared to bupivacaine, commonly used in obstetric neu...

Obstetric emergency where fetal shoulders become impacted after delivery of the head.

Anesthetic technique involving injection of local anesthetic directly into the cerebrospinal fluid of the subarachnoid s...

A catheter inadvertently placed in the subarachnoid space during intended epidural catheterization. Requires recognition...

Highly potent synthetic opioid used in neuraxial anesthesia for labor analgesia and cesarean delivery.

A selective neuromuscular blocking reversal agent that rapidly reverses rocuronium and vecuronium.

Maternal hypotension and fetal compromise caused by compression of major blood vessels when pregnant patients lie flat o...

The highest level of sympathetic nerve blockade achieved during neuraxial anesthesia. Typically extends 2-6 dermatomes h...

A small initial dose of local anesthetic with or without epinephrine administered to detect intravascular or intrathecal...

A medication used to suppress or inhibit uterine contractions, often administered before emergency cesarean delivery to...

Trial of labor after cesarean section, the attempt at vaginal delivery following previous cesarean.

Temporary sensory disturbances, typically burning pain or dysesthesias in the buttocks and thighs, occurring after spina...

A specialized curved-tip needle designed for epidural space identification and catheter placement, featuring a distincti...

Failure of the uterine muscles to contract effectively after delivery, leading to postpartum hemorrhage and requiring im...

Visceral pain experienced during cesarean section despite adequate somatic anesthesia. Results from uterine manipulation...

Catastrophic obstetric emergency involving complete separation of the uterine wall, requiring immediate surgical interve...

Blood flow to the uterus and placenta that is critical for fetal oxygenation and can be affected by maternal anesthetic...