An urgent call to the labour ward

Emergencies on the labour ward may have obstetric, anaesthetic, or general medical causes. This module covers the most common emergencies on the ward and what the response should be.
Length of Study: 90 min
Difficulty: Easy

Spinal Anaesthesia

Spinal anaesthetic, also known as a spinal block, is administered by injecting local anaesthetic, into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) just below the end of the spinal cord. This has the effect of blocking the conduction of nerve impulses, including pain signals to the brain. Spinal anaesthesia can be used as the sole anaesthetic or in combination with sedation or general anaesthetic.
This module will discuss the relevant anatomy, techniques, and management of spinal anaesthesia.
Length of Study: 90 min
Difficulty: Medium

Changes in Pregnancy Relevant to Anaesthesia

Pregnancy causes major physiological changes to the mother’s body. An understanding of these changes is the key to safe obstetric anaesthesia. The causes of these changes are initially hormonal; metabolic and mechanical factors also contribute as the fetus develops.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Medium

Pre-eclampsia and Anaesthetics

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. Left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to serious even fatal complications for both mother and baby and the only cure is delivery.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Placental Abruption

Placental abruption is defined as separation of the placenta from the decidua basalis before delivery of the fetus. It is extremely serious and potentially fatal.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Amniotic Fluid Embolism

Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) is a rare but potentially fatal syndrome that is unique to pregnancy. AFE has emerged as one of the leading causes of direct maternal death within developed countries such as Australia, the UK and the USA.
This module discusses AFE, its presentation, diagnosis and treatment.
Length of Study:  75 min
Difficulty: Difficult

Management of Major Obstetric Haemorrhage

Major obstetric haemorrhage is a common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and the recognition of major obstetric haemorrhage can be challenging. This module discusses it causes, symptoms and importantly anaesthetic management of cases.
Length of Study: 75 min
Difficulty: Medium

Post dural puncture headache

Post dural puncture headache is unpleasant, it may interfere with a new mother’s
ability to care for her newborn and it may extend the length of hospital stay. This module covers both prevention and treatment options.
Length of Study:  60 min
Difficulty: Easy

Catastrophes of many kinds can occur in childbirth…

This moving article is about a pregnant woman dying from amniotic fluid embolism. It is a very well written piece about how even when we do everything right, sometimes the worst happens. This should be essential reading for anyone working in obstetrics. There is not test/certificate but this is the perfect piece to base a reflective account on.

General anaesthesia in obstetrics

Major advances in obstetric anesthesia have resulted in improved maternal outcomes but the failure rate is still higher than in non-obstetric anaesthetics. The consequences of a failed intubation in the obstetric patient may not only affect the mother, but also the fetus. This article gives an overview of how to conduct a GA in obstetrics safely and safely manage a failed intubation to ensure a good outcome. It contains guidance to the  OAA/DAS Obstetric Airway Guidelines.

Length of Study: 75 min.
Difficulty: Medium