Maternal uptake and elimination of inhaled anesthetics are altered by the increase in alveolar ventilation and decrease in functional residual capacity (Badve & Vallejo, 2015; Barash, Cullen, Stoelting, Calahan, & Stock, 2009). The decreased functional residual capacity (FRC) and increased basal metabolic rate may increase the risk of arterial hypoxemia during periods of apnea (e.g., during intubation of the trachea). Vascular engorgement of the airway increases the risk of bleeding during instrumentation. Delayed gastric emptying has long been associated with the pregnant patient, but controversy exists as to when risk increases for aspiration. Other factors, such as pain, anxiety, and opioid administration may have led to the belief that delaying emptying began early in pregnancy.