Anesthesia in Pregnancy

Stamford Health offers the High-Risk Anesthesia Clinic, part of the comprehensive wellness services from the Women’s Specialty Center.

Pain Relief During Childbirth

Our anesthesiology team has tremendous experience and understanding of how to provide pain relief throughout labor and delivery. Board-certified anesthesiologists work closely with you and your team of doctors to understand your unique health history and make a plan specific to you and your baby.

Certain health conditions or health histories may impact your pain management options during delivery. Safe, effective options are available for every mother—but it’s best to understand any special considerations in advance.

Medical Conditions that May Impact Anesthesia Options

Make sure your doctor knows if you are or have been affected by any of these conditions:

• Blood
  • Coagulopathy (inability to form clots)
  • Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)
• Family history of anesthesia-related problems (other than post-op nausea and vomiting)
• Heart disease
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac-like tissue surrounding the heart)
  • Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat (except for sinus arrhythmia or premature ventricular contractions)
• Musculoskeletal
  • Severe scoliosis or other vertebral abnormalities
  • Conditions requiring back surgery
• Neurological
  • Any tumors
  • Any vascular problems inside the skull
  • Birth defects
  • Multiple sclerosis
• Rare genetic syndromes
• Severe fear of anesthesia
• Severe respiratory disease
• Throat
  • Any laryngeal or tracheal surgery, tumor or stenosis (narrowing or partial blockage).

Your Appointment

You can expect to:

• Meet with a member of Stamford Health’s anesthesia team before delivery to discuss pain relief options.
• Learn about the safest pain relief available to you. Your anesthesiologist works with you, your obstetrician, and other medical specialists to plan for your delivery, including the timing and type of delivery  that’s best for you and your baby.

High-Risk Pregnancy Care

The Women’s Specialty Center includes experts in maternal-fetal medicine who are also available to consult with you and your doctors. Should your baby require treatment as a result of your medical condition, Stamford Health’s Cohen Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has highly skilled specialists immediately available.