SERIAL PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATES IN MOTHERS DURING CAESAREAN SECTION UNDER EXTRADURAL ANAESTHESIA

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured in 19 mothersduring elective Caesarean section under unsupplemented extraduralanaesthesia. In 18 mothers, serial measurements of peak expiratoryflow rate indicated adequate expiratory reserve and residualabdominal muscle power consistent with an effective cough. Inone mother, with severe respiratory disease, PEFR decreasedto a value indicative of inadequate cough. Data for one othermother who came for emergency Caesarean section after 4 h ofan extradural infusion also indicated an inability to cough.