The anesthetic management of obstetrical hemorrhage

This has been a brief overview of the major causes of obstetrical hemorrhage in the parturient. Owing to improved diagnosis and obstetrical care, the risks to both mother and fetus have decreased in the last decade. Constant vigilance is still required, however, if mortality and morbidity are to be further decreased. The role of the anesthesiologist is to provide resuscitation first and anesthesia second. To do this successfully, the anesthesiologist should plan carefully and assume that "worst-case scenarios" will occur, so that he or she will have anticipated problems in advance.