PAIN MANAGEMENT IN OBSTETRIC ANAESTHESIA & POST-CAESAREAN PHYSIOTHERAPY

Caesarean delivery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures globally, and effective postoperative pain management is essential for promoting early maternal recovery, facilitation of breastfeeding, enhanced maternal–neonatal bonding, and reducing the risk of persistent post-surgical pain. Obstetric anaesthesia plays a pivotal role through multimodal analgesia strategies that include neuraxial techniques, long-acting opioids, peripheral nerve blocks, non-opioid systemic agents, and enhanced recovery protocols. Post-caesarean physiotherapy represents the second critical component of recovery, contributing to pain reduction, improved respiratory mechanics, early mobilization, prevention of thromboembolic complications, strengthening of pelvic floor muscles, and accelerating return to normal functional status. This review integrates current evidence on the combined use of anaesthesia strategies with early physiotherapy interventions to optimize maternal outcomes after caesarean delivery. It highlights Evidence based practices, breastfeeding safety considerations, appropriate timing of rehabilitation, impact on maternal satisfaction, and long -term benefits. A coordin Ated multidisciplinary approach involving anaesthesiologists, obstetricians, physiotherapists and nursingteams is emphasized as fundamental to modern obstetric perioperative care.