Anaesthesia
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Using the Nottingham Physiology Simulator, we investigated the effects on pre-oxygenation and apnoea during rapid sequence induction of labour, obesity, sepsis, pre-eclampsia, maternal haemorrhage and multiple pregnancy in term pregnancy. Pre-oxygenation with 100% oxygen was followed by simulated rapid sequence induction when end-tidal nitrogen tension was less than 1 kPa, and apnoea. Labour, morbid obesity and sepsis accelerated pre-oxygenation and de-oxygenation during apnoea. ⋯ Pre-eclampsia prolonged pre-oxygenation and tolerance to apnoea. Maternal haemorrhage and multiple pregnancy had minor effects. Our results inform the risk-benefit comparison of the anaesthetic options for Caesarean section.