Practices in obstetric anesthesia have evolved. Wide implementation of contemporary practices are consistent with high quality care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Appraise past and current practices in labor analgesia and anesthesia, and identify novel approaches under current investigation.
2. Examine areas of anesthesiology influence beyond the labor suite, particularly in the areas of maternal morbidity and mortality.
3. Recognize research priorities in obstetric anesthesia and clinical areas in need of programmatic development.