Obstetric Anaesthesia

One might first wish to start with a refresher of relevant materno-placental physiology and pharmacology from the Primary FRCA syllabus.

With a guaranteed CRQ question on Obstetrics, and perceived 'easy' marks, one should spend some time becoming acquainted with the contents of the various sections below.

• Caesarean section
• Indications and classifications
• Neuraxial anaesthesia
• Spinal anaesthesia
• Epidural top-up
• Adjuncts for neuraxial anaesthesia
• Neuraxial-induced hypotension
• General anaesthesia
• Pain during caesarean section
• Post-caesarean analgesia
• Enhanced recovery after caesarean delivery


• Anaesthesia for non-caesarean surgery
• Anaesthesia for other obstetric surgeries (in brief)
• Anaesthesia for non-obstetric surgery during pregnancy


• Conditions
• Medical conditions in obstetric patients
• Obstetric conditions
• Obstetric emergencies


• Analgesia for labour
• Principles of labour analgesia
• Lumbar epidural analgesia
• Remifentanil PCA


• Post-dural puncture headache


• Trauma-informed care