At the turn of the century it is appropriate to take stock of this
relatively young but rapidly developing subject. For the first time, this
book brings together information on the status of obstetric regional
analgesia in many parts of the globe, and on the intriguing variability of
maternal attitudes towards it. Advances in the field over the last decade
in new applications, new drugs and techniques and new research tools are
also reviewed.
Controversial topics such as the effects of regional analgesia on the
progress of and outcome of labour, the indications, contraindications and
complications, and the place of regional anaesthesia for operative
delivery are discussed by numerous experts in the field. The problem of
consent and medicolegal aspects are also addressed.
Regional Analgesia in Obstetrics should be read by all those involved in
the medical care of women in childbirth.
Professor Felicity Reynolds is Emeritus Professor of Obstetric
Anaesthesia, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.