What the study found
Women’s reported experience of conversion to general anesthesia during cesarean delivery was described as potentially severe in its effects on delivery experience and early bonding with the baby, and it might increase the risk of posttraumatic stress.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say anesthesiologists might mitigate these effects by giving enough information before, during, and after the cesarean delivery, acknowledging and responding to intraoperative pain, not shifting clinical decision-making responsibility onto the woman, and offering follow-up consultations.
What the researchers tested
This was a qualitative, prospective, multicenter Danish study of women’s reported experiences after conversion to general anesthesia for cesarean delivery when neuraxial anesthesia was inadequate. The abstract does not give further details about sample size, data collection, or analysis.
What worked and what didn't
The abstract states that intraoperative pain during cesarean delivery requiring general anesthesia can severely affect women’s delivery experience and early bonding, and might increase the risk of posttraumatic stress. It also states that anesthesiologists might mitigate this by specific communication and follow-up practices, but it does not report measured outcomes for those practices.
What to keep in mind
The available summary is limited to the abstract and does not describe the study’s detailed methods, participant numbers, or full results. It also does not state any limitations beyond the scope of the abstract.
Key points
- The abstract says conversion to general anesthesia during cesarean delivery can severely affect women’s delivery experience.
- It also says early bonding with the baby may be affected.
- The authors say intraoperative pain might increase the risk of posttraumatic stress.
- They suggest information before, during, and after delivery may help, along with acknowledgment of pain and follow-up consultations.
- The study is described as qualitative, prospective, multicenter, and Danish.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Women reported adverse experiences after conversion to general anesthesia
- Authors:
- Helene Korvenius Nedergaard, Patricia Duch, Anne J. Wikkelso, Malene Lund Abildgren, Janne Lund-Olesen, Kim Wildgaard, Kim Ekelund
- Institutions:
- University of Southern Denmark, Region of Southern Denmark, Region Zealand, Zealand University Hospital, Aalborg University Hospital, Regionshospitalet Viborg, Herlev Hospital, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-21
- OpenAlex record:
- View
- Image credit:
- Photo by Engin_Akyurt on Pixabay · Pixabay License
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