A driver’s license is a symbol of freedom, an indicator that a teen is ready to hit the road and go wherever he or she wants to go. Unfortunately, for too many teens, driving can be deadly. Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of death for teens in the United States.

Our goal as anesthesiologists is to both alleviate pain and to keep the patient and baby safe. We need to anticipate any complications that could jeopardize the safety of the patient and baby on the day of delivery. We also want patients to be aware of these potential challenges in advance so they are not caught by surprise if something changes during delivery.