What are the current challenges shaping obstetric anaesthesia? The ESRA 2026 programme, taking place in Lisbon from 9 to 12 September, will focus on several of them, from new strategies for labour analgesia and pain during caesarean section to the management of high-risk parturients.
If you work in obstetric anaesthesia, here are 3 sessions worth having on your radar during ESRA 2026.
1. Obstetric Anaesthesia and Analgesia
Labour analgesia, pain during caesarean section and epidural-related maternal fever will be among the topics addressed in this session.
A10 – Networking Session: Obstetric Anaesthesia and Analgesia
📅 Wednesday, 9 September
🕗 08:00–10:00
📍 Track A
Topics to watch: pain during CS · labour analgesia · epidural-related maternal fever · post-caesarean pain relief
Featured talk: Rachel Kearns — Epidural-related maternal fever – does it matter?
2. Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section
What is changing in anaesthesia for caesarean section? This session will explore pain prediction and prevention, the latest developments in neuraxial anaesthesia and the relationship between epidural anaesthesia and the baby, as well as some of the most relevant topics in recent obstetric literature.
Networking Session: Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section
📅 Thursday, 10 September
🕗 08:00–10:00
📍 Track A
Topics to watch: predicting and preventing pain · neuraxial anaesthesia · epidural and the baby · hot topics in obstetric literature
Featured talk: Marc Van De Velde — Hot topics in obstetric literature
3. Optimising Obstetric Care
Planning care for the high-risk parturient will be at the heart of this session, with a focus on conditions such as preeclampsia and obesity, as well as the role of gastric ultrasound.
A30 – Networking Session: Optimising Obstetric Care
📅 Friday, 11 September
🕗 08:00–09:40
📍 Track A
Topics to watch: high-risk parturient · preeclampsia · obesity · gastric ultrasound
From the ESRA programme to clinical practice
These three sessions offer a snapshot of some of the key challenges in obstetric anaesthesia today: analgesia, anaesthesia for caesarean section and the management of high-risk parturients.
ESRA 2026 will be an opportunity to review the evidence, share experiences and discuss new strategies with fellow professionals.
Want to explore more content on anaesthesia? Discover more by clicking here.
