Effects of epidural anesthesia on the Doppler velocimetry of umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and feto-maternal outcome in normal term labor

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate benefits and possible short-term side effects of epidural anesthesia used for pain relief in labor. It was conducted on 100 primigravida women in labor randomly assigned into two groups Group I included 50 patients receiving continuous epidural anesthesia [CEA] of 10 ml of 0.125% bupivacaine and 15 ug fentanyl/hour and Group II included 50 patients who did not receive epidural anesthesia or analgesia. It was found that CEA resulted in a significant reduction in maternal systolic and diastolic blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. The umbilical and middle cerebral artery indices did not significantly change. Also, CEA resulted in a significant shortening of duration of the first stage of labor, while incidence of instrumental delivery was significantly higher and no significant difference was found as regard cesarean section rates