Maternal and foetal effects of methoxyflurane anaesthesia in the pregnant ewe.

Maternal and foetal cardiovascular, blood gas and acid-base changes were studied during 90 minutes of methoxyflurane anaesthesia. At 1.0 and 1.5 MAC anaesthesia, despite slight to moderate falls in maternal blood pressure, cardiac output and uterine blood flow, no serious foetal deterioration was seen. 2.0 MAC methoxyflurane was associated with marked falls in maternal blood pressure, cardiac output and uterine blood flow. Foetal hypoxaemia and a mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis developed. Little foetal cardiovascular depression was seen with any level of anaesthesia. There was no direct effect of methoxyflurane on the uterine vasculature.