Inhaled Anaesthetics

The low molecular weight and high lipid solubility of inhalational anesthetic agents facilitate rapid transfer to the placenta. Prolonged time of induction to delivery leads to greater transfer of these agents to the fetus causing neonatal flaccidity, hypotonia, cardiovascular depression, and uterine atony resulting in decreased neonatal Apgar scores and increased maternal blood loss. A neonate, with respiratory depression due to inhalational agents, usually responds to assisted ventilation which facilitates exhalation of these agents.