[Analgesia, anesthesia and newborns].

It should be remembered that almost any drug given during labour may have negative effects on the child. On the other hand withholding a drug that is otherwise indicated may carry as many risks as giving an overdose or failure to treat at the appropriate time. In addition drug therapy may affect the child indirectly, for example by reducing placental function. During general anaesthesia, the interval between induction and cutting the umbilical cord determines the degree of drug load for the child. The interval should ideally be between 3-15 minutes. In addition the effect of drugs on the fetus depends on many additional factors such as gestational age, plasma binding of the drug and amount of fat.