If the surgeon considers that your safety requires it, an anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs, exactly as if you were receiving regional or general anesthesia. You may also receive tranquillizers and pain relievers intravenously to help you through the procedure. Childbirth and Anesthesia Anesthesia is a natural concern for women giving birth. It is important to remember that the all-important goals in anesthesia for childbirth are the well being of the child and the safety and comfort of the mother. All anesthetics are administered so as to avoid depressant effects on the newborn child.
Many women having babies choose to receive pain relief for their labor and delivery.
If you wish, and if your obstetrician and the anesthesiologist approve, you can remain fully awake during labor and delivery. It's best to discuss the question of anesthesia with your obstetrician and with your anesthesiologist well in advance of your delivery date. The evening before your operation, if you are in the hospital, an anesthesiologist will visit you. The purpose of this visit is to obtain details of your medical history, so that the anesthesiologist can select the safest approach to your care. The visit also allows you to ask any questions you may have.