Airway management of the parturient has serious implications for the anesthetist. Meticulous patient evaluation and preparation is essential. A management plan that can be implemented in the event of failed intubation should be familiar to all anesthetists who are involved in obstetrical anesthesia.

The case presented is that of a parturient with tetra-amelia, the congenital absence or near absence of all limbs. The difficulties encountered with monitoring and venous access due to absence of extremities illustrate the necessity for a detailed management plan with emphasis on early intervention. The reasons for the high incidence of operative delivery are outlined.

We describe the successful resuscitation of a parturient who developed cardiovascular collapse immediately after cesarean delivery most likely due to amniotic fluid embolism, based on the clinical presentation and later confirmed by exclusion. Aggressive therapy was instituted right away including early administration of vasopressin. Care continued in a critical care setting and she recovered c...