Epidural analgesia in labour; maternal and fetal outcome

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the effects of epidural analgesia on the pain relief and maternal and fetal outcome. Comparative and analytical study. In Military Hospital Rawalpindi from Oct 1998 to Oct 1999. 100 full term healthy primigravida admitted for induction of labour. Fifty patients were given epidural analgesia and 50 served as control to whom no analgesia was given. Outcome measures observed were duration of labour, mode of delivery; Apgar score of the newborn; untoward reaction and intra-partum complications. The data analysis revealed that epidural analgesia significantly prolonged labour time and was associated with increased instrumental delivery rate. Significant reduction in intra-partum fetal complications was seen, while C-section rate was not effected by epidural analgesia. Apgar scores were higher in analgesia group as compared to control. Although accused of prolonging labour time, it's benefits in terms of great maternal satisfaction and reduced intra-partum complications still makes it an option for labouring patients