The ill obstetric case - lessons learnt from the NCCEMD : main article

Most anaesthesia-related deaths occurred in previously healthy patients. Severe pre-eclampsia and morbid obesity are the commonest co-morbid conditions associated with maternal anaesthesia-related deaths in level 1 hospitals. Referral pathways must be agreed upon and adhered to so that these patients can be transferred perioperatively to an appropriate level hospital. Ergotamine must not be given to hypertensive patients. Spinal anaesthesia should only be given to cardiovascularly stable patients. Avoid spinal anaesthesia in case of potential severe haemorrhage, e.g. suspected ruptured uterus. Patients with cardiac disease should be referred to a level 3 hospital. All anaesthesia-related deaths should have a postmortem examination.