44 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • JUNE 6, 2019 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
health
Developing a plan to ensure the safest pregnancy, childbirth and recovery
Many people would be surprised to
learn that among developed countries,
the United States not only has the highest
rate of maternal mortality (death during
pregnancy or within one year of birth),
but that it increased 56% between 1990
and 2015.
The American Society of
Anesthesiologists (ASA) says expectant
mothers should talk with their obstetrician
and physician anesthesiologist to
develop a plan that ensures the safest
pregnancy, childbirth and recovery.
“Th anks to the miracles of modern
medicine more women are giving birth
in their late 30s and 40s, but this does
not come without some risk,” said ASA
President Linda J. Mason, M.D., FASA.
“Expectant mothers know they shouldn’t
drink or smoke while pregnant, but many
aren’t aware how important it is to focus
on their overall health, for their safety as
well as their baby’s. Older mothers, certain
health conditions and multiple cesarean
deliveries are some reasons the maternal
death rate has risen. Physician anesthesiologists
not only are experts in managing
pain during and aft er childbirth,
they work closely with obstetricians to
combat the growing mortality trend.”
To ensure the safest care for you and
your baby, ASA recommends the following:
• Take care of yourself: If you are older,
overweight or have diabetes or high
blood pressure, work closely with your
physicians to address your condition
prior to labor and delivery to ensure you
understand all possible complications
and have a plan. About halfway through
your pregnancy meet with your physician
anesthesiologist, who will provide
information to help you feel safe
by developing an optimal labor, delivery
and recovery plan.
• Express your concerns: If you have had
a bad experience with anesthesia, have
any fears about childbirth or if something
doesn’t feel right, let your obstetrician
and physician anesthesiologist
know. Be sure to ask about other issues,
such as if you can have an epidural if
you have a slipped disk or lower back
tattoo.
• Ask about an emergency plan: Your
physicians will always prioritize your
safety as well as your baby’s. But it’s
important to know your hospital has
an emergency plan in place. Physician
anesthesiologists have extensive critical
care training and are experts in treating
emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage
and preeclampsia.
• Know experts are working to improve
care: Physician anesthesiologists are
leading the way to develop protocols
that improve safety during and aft er
childbirth, including:* Best practices for
managing common causes of maternal
death, including postpartum hemorrhage
and high blood pressure that can
lead to preeclampsia, seizures, coma,
brain damage, blood clots and death.
• “Early warning systems” that trigger
an immediate evaluation if a mother’s
health declines.
• Refi ning labor and delivery pain management
techniques, including epidurals
and spinal anesthesia.
• Multi-disciplinary review committees to
examine maternal deaths, identify causes
and implement prevention eff orts.
• Plan your pain management: Untreated
post-delivery pain can lead to post traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) in some
women, so don’t downplay your pain.
Ask your obstetrician to reach out to
your physician anesthesiologist if you
have questions regarding how to manage
pain aft er birth and if opioids are
an option.
“Th e maternal death rate is 26 deaths in
100,000 births, but even one death is too
many. Th e rising rate in the United States
is a wake-up call for this country,” said Dr.
Mason. “With more awareness and proactive
management, it can be decreased.”
To learn more about the critical role
physician anesthesiologists play in managing
emergency care, including during
labor and delivery, visit www.asahq.org/
WhenSecondsCount. For more information
about pain management during labor
and delivery and the importance of seeing
a physician anesthesiologist, including
a downloadable birth plan, visit asahq.
org/birth.
Courtesy BPT
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