Obstetric Anaesthetic Clinic
This information explains why you’ve been referred to the Obstetric Anaesthetic Clinic.
What happens at the Obstetric Anaesthetic Clinic?
Every mother-to-be is different and certain medical conditions or other individual risk factors can increase the risks involved in both labour itself, but also in having an anaesthetic. To manage this increased risk, you’ve been referred to the Obstetric Anaesthetic Clinic.
You may have been referred to the clinic because you have one of the below:
- Arthritis
- Back problems including previous surgery
- BMI above 40
- Current or previous intravenous drug abuse
- Declining blood products
- Epilepsy
- Haematological problems including taking blood thinners
- Heart disease
- HIV positive
- Hypermobility syndrome
- Jaw or neck problems
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Lung disease
- Neurological disease
- Previous anaesthetic problem
- Severe needle phobia
You’ll be seen by a consultant anaesthetist who will discuss any medical conditions you have and may also examine you. They will discuss steps that can be taken to reduce the risk to you and your baby when the time comes.
Why do I need to see an anaesthetist?
Anaesthetists are trained doctors specialising in anaesthesia. They work alongside obstetricians and midwives on the delivery suite to ensure the safe care of both mothers and babies. Anaesthetists provide anaesthesia for surgery, help in the management of chronic medical conditions, and are experts in pain relief.
You may have your own thoughts on how you would like to deliver your baby.
To ensure the safe care of mothers-to-be, we recognise that not every birth is without complications. Some women will need either an elective, or an emergency caesarean section (an operation to surgically remove baby).
Referral to this clinic, does not mean that you are necessarily going to have a caesarean section.