Maternal physiology
During pregnancy, maternal anatomy and physiology changes significantly. It is important to be aware of what is considered ‘normal’ for pregnancy, in order to promptly recognize and treat medical conditions that may subsequently develop in the antenatal, intrapartum, or postnatal time periods. This chapter sets out the anatomical and physiological changes according to each system: starting with a comprehensive review of the cardiovascular and respiratory changes, which have the most significant adaptations, through the renal, gastro-intestinal, haematological, and endocrine changes, and ending with the central nervous system. Altered anatomy and physiology will affect the conduct of general and regional anaesthesia. The difficulties associated with the obstetric airway, maternal oxygenation, and positioning during anaesthesia are clearly described.