Nonobstetric Surgery and Later Childhood Development: Optimal Anesthesia for the Mother-infant Dyad

Abstract

(Anaesthesia. 2023;78:143–146) While nonobstetric surgery during pregnancy is uncommon (<1%), it can be a serious cause for concern for mother and baby. In 2016, the American Food and Drug Administration cautioned that general anesthesia (GA) use during the third trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of impaired neurodevelopment in children of mothers exposed. A later randomized trial found no association between short-duration general anesthesia and increased risk of childhood neurodevelopment issues. Given the vulnerable nature of fetuses in utero, the topic of anesthesia use during pregnancy and its impact on children remains a topic of interest and importance.