Cesarean deliveries under unplanned or emergency general anesthesia are rare but clinically significant and stressful events. They typically occur in the context of maternal or fetal emergencies where there is insufficient time for neuraxial anesthesia, or it is ineffective. It is known that patients who undergo unplanned cesarean deliveries under neuraxial anesthesia have described their perceptions of poor communication, fear, distrust, and loss of control (1, 2). In the context of unplanned GA, the emotional and psychological impacts are not well understood. This study aims to explore patient experiences and identify factors that shape those experiences to improve care. Based on the unexpected and distressing nature of the event, it is expected that patients will describe their experiences predominantly in negative terms, often with lasting effects. 

Patients in the province of New Brunswick, Canada, who had a cesarean delivery under GA during 2024 who were over the age of 19 were identified through Perinatal New Brunswick, the province-wide birth registry. Invitations to participate in a semi-structured interview were mailed with the option to opt out. 22 participants were interviewed, with 3 being excluded due to ineligibility, leaving 19 for the total analysis. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Initial coding grouped together common experiences. Main themes were identified and refined through member-checking.