The development of obstetric anesthesiology in mainland China

Obstetric anesthesiology is a significant component of modern anesthesiology, and a high risk sub-specialty because of its involvement of both mother and newborn. Having a late start, obstetric anesthesiology in mainland China has been developing synchronously with all other anesthesiology sub-specialties. Advances in science and technology and improvement of management skills in recent decades, resulted in the evolution of obstetric anesthesiology as an important subspecialty providing services to almost all aspects of obstetric services. While influenced by Chinese economic conditions and local policies, the development of obstetric anesthesiology in mainland China presents some unique features. With the implementation of the two-child policy in 2016, the number of pregnant women with advanced maternal age and potential scarred uterus will inevitably rise, potentially leading to higher incidence of placenta previa, placental abruption and other obstetric complications. These issues will subsequently pose challenges for anesthesia providers. Confronting the higher risks of obstetric anesthesia, we should utilize new technology and new management strategy more aggressively, strengthen our residency training, and keep abreast of the latest development in the specialty to maximize safety of obstetric patients. By increasing awareness of the obstetric risks for anesthetist/anesthesiologists, obstetrician and hospital administrators, emphasizing crisis management in obstetric services, building a comprehensive management team centering on patient care, applying the most advanced technology and optimizing the process and specifications of obstetric anesthesia and labor analgesia, will ultimately improve the quality of obstetric anesthesiology in mainland China.