[Clinical aspects of premedication in obstetrics]

The goals of premedication in obstetric anaesthesia with particularly high risk due to high maternal morbidity and mortality are: reduction of preoperative apprehension, psychological preparation by adequate evaluation and an extensive clinical round, prevention of aspiration of gastric contents, administration of antacids, H-2-receptor-blocking and gastrokinetic agents. Due to their rapid passage across the placenta, opioids, benzodiazepines and anticholinergic drugs may influence the newborn and so arguments for and against must be considered individually. Despite all measures, the high anaesthesiological risk remains, since there is no "safe" gastric content regarding amount an pH. Anaesthetic technique and the experience of the anaesthetist play a significant role.