The practice of obstetric anesthesiology is unique. Only in obstetrics are physicians called upon to manage two patients—mother and child—simultaneously. The anesthesiologists with Presbyterian Anesthesia Associates are experts in providing a comfortable and safe anesthetic experience for expectant mothers, either to assist with the pain of labor or to provide anesthesia for cesarean delivery. We are experienced in managing women who have enjoyed uneventful pregnancies as well as those who have endured difficult gestational problems, including premature labor, pregnancy-induced hypertension, multiple gestation and a host of other conditions. Everything we do, whether it relates to preanesthetic assessment, the plan and prescription for anesthesia, monitoring and anesthetic techniques, or to post delivery care, we always consider the two lives – mother and baby—and the need to provide a safe and effective anesthetic.

With anesthesia for obstetrics, every aspect of our care considers the changes a mother undergoes throughout pregnancy. With an understanding of the dramatic physiologic alterations that accompany normal pregnancy, especially the cardiac and pulmonary systems, obstetric anesthesiologists provide valuable support and the safest medical interventions. Understanding both the normal changes of pregnancy as well as the severe alterations that occur in certain illnesses of pregnancy allows us the anesthesiologist to create an anesthetic plan which keeps the mother comfortable and both mother and infant safe throughout the period of delivery.

Presbyterian Anesthesia Associates’ physicians are educated and trained in the unique aspects of obstetric anesthesiology through residency training and preparation for Anesthesiology Board written and oral examinations. We provide anesthesia care 24 hour a day care for over 8000 deliveries each year throughout the Presbyterian Healthcare system. This unique knowledge base and technical expertise in caring for patients through the course of pregnancy should give mothers and obstetric care providers additional peace of mind as the entire team focuses on the safe delivery of the newborn child.