Open AccessSegmental Epidural Analgesia in Labour: Related to the Progress of Labour, Fetal Malposition and Instrumental Delivery
Author(s) -
Jouppila R.,
Jouppila P.,
Karinen J. M.,
Hollmén A.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016347909154571
Subject(s) - medicine , local anaesthetic , epidural block , anesthesia , fetus , surgery , pregnancy , obstetrics , biology , genetics
. The effect of low‐dose continuous segmental epidural analgesia given during the first stage of labour on the progress of labour, the frequency of fetal malpositions and the rate of vacuum extractions was studied prospectively in 100 parturients (epidural group). The results were compared with 100 parturients given none or conventional analgesia (control group). The results showed that in the primiparous epidural group the progress of labour before analgesia was induced was significantly slower than in the control group. After the block, however, the subsequent course of the labour was of equal duration in both groups. The durations of the second stages of labour did not differ significantly between the groups. The differences in fetal malpositions at delivery were statistically insignificant. Nor did the rate of vacuum extractions, 8% in the primiparous and 0% in the multiparous epidural group, differ statistically from the corresponding rate in the control groups. The results signify a normal progress and outcome of labour after low‐dose segmental epidural analgesia.