Effects of epidural analgesia on the course of labor

D. Branecka-Woźniak, A. Józefowicz, A. Cymbaluk-Płoska, R. Kurzawa

Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Health, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland. dobrawo@gmail.com

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• Obstetrics

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of epidural analgesia on the course of labor.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The material for the study was obtained from the analysis of 300 medical records of patients delivering under epidural analgesia in the period 2015-2019. A questionnaire by the authors was used as the research tool. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s test, Pearson’s Chi-square test of independence, and Cramer’s V-test.

RESULTS: The first stage of labor in primiparas usually lasted six to nine hours, and in multiparas under five hours (p = 0.041). The second stage was shorter in multiparas (p < 0.001). Our five-year analysis demonstrated that the second stage of labor was longer from year to year (p = 0.087). The fetal station had an effect on the duration of the first stage of labor (p = 0.057). After administration of epidurals, the majority of the women bore the pain well (p = 0.052).

CONCLUSIONS: Epidural analgesia reduces labor pain, but may also disturb the natural rhythm of labor. This happens even if the moment of application of the analgesia is chosen with the guidance of obstetric indications, and may result in the necessity for surgical intervention.

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