When compared with methohexitone, sevoflurane and N(2)O for caesarean section, initial total intravenous anaesthesia with esketamine and methohexitone mediated specific antinociception without negative maternal or fetal effects and not taking invasion kinetics or elimination between uterotomia and cord cutting into consideration. Avoidance of N(2)O allows optimal oxygenation of the fetomaternal unit. Stress protection and hemodynamic responses were well balanced, and intraoperative recall or negative dream reactions were lacking. Superior postoperative pain protection was advantageous after spinal anaesthesia, but in contrast, nausea and vomiting were more frequent in this group.