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.

When young athletes get injured, they often embark on a challenging journey that can take them off the field for some time. Star student-athlete, Nick Hall, understands this journey all too well, when an ordinary practice at the start of his senior football season at Cohasset High School ended with...