Section V - 49
Obstetric Anesthesia

The rate of failed intubation is increased. Rapid sequence induction with cricoid pressure is usually used. The risk of airway complications is higher during emergence and recovery than induction. In the event of a failed intubation, the anesthesia provider will attempt to awaken the patient, given that the mother and fetus are not in immediate danger. After induction, maintenance of anesthesia is usually with an inhalational agent at one-half minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), with 50% nitrous oxide until delivery of the fetus, and then 70% nitrous oxide.