Problems in obstetric anaesthesia

It is well recognized that the maternal population is changing due to maternal obesity, increasing maternal age, assisted fertility and improvements in medical care leading to women with complex conditions achieving pregnancy. In this review we use three hypothetical cases to illustrate some of these issues. The multidisciplinary management of intracranial haemorrhage, sepsis and the implications of achieving pregnancy after a renal transplant are discussed in depth, with a specific focus on the challenges posed for the obstetric and anaesthetic teams. These cases illustrate the importance of good early multidisciplinary team working and communication in achieving the safest possible outcome for such patients.