Section V - 49
Obstetric Anesthesia

Magnesium is used to stop and prevent eclamptic seizures. You should begin preparation for management of massive hemorrhage if blood loss exceeds 700 mL after vaginal delivery or 1,200 mL after cesarean section. Pulmonary embolus is described as sudden cardiovascular collapse, cyanosis, mental status changes, or massive hemorrhage. Recent research suggests that for cases of amniotic fluid embolus, there may be an anaphylactoid response to amniotic material, rather than a mechanical obstruction of blood vessels. In the event of a cardiac arrest, the fetus should be delivered if a perfusing rhythm has not been reestablished after 4 minutes.