Food residue in the stomach of patients scheduled to have surgery is considered a major risk factor for pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. The resulting respiratory compromise after aspiration is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The risk of pulmonary aspiration is especially important in pregnant women, as they may often require surgery without having observed appropriate fasting. A bedside ultrasound assessment fo the status of the gastric content would be of great value for the clinician. This technique has recently been shown very promising in non-pregnant patients and it is important to study its feasibility in the pregnant population.