Anesthesia Considerations in the Obese Gravida

Obesity is associated with serious morbidity during pregnancy, and obese women also are at a high risk of developing complications during labor, leading to an increased risk for instrumental and Cesarean deliveries. The engagement of the obstetrical anesthetist in the management of this group of high-risk patients should be performed antenatally so that an appropriate management strategy can be planned in advance to prevent an adverse outcome. Good communication between all care providers is essential. The obese patient in labor should be encouraged to have a functioning epidural catheter placed early in labor. Apart from providing analgesia and alleviating physiological derangements during labor, the presence of a functioning epidural catheter can also be used to induce anesthesia quickly in the event of an emergency cesarean section, thus avoiding a general anesthesia, which has exceedingly high risks in the obese parturient. Successful management of the obese patient necessitates a comprehensive strategy that encompasses a multidisciplinary and holistic approach from all care-providers.