Epidural analgesia for labor pain: what has changed in the last 1 year? Literature review and clinical results our experience in labor analgesia

Abstract

AimThe technique of epidural analgesia is the most accepted method of labor analgesia in the contemporary world because it allows the mother to participate both in the physical and emotional aspects of delivery as well as eliminating labor pain. The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of epidural analgesia on the mother, fetus, and labor. MethodsFiles of pregnancies that underwent epidural labor analgesia were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, hemodynamic parameters, Activity, Pulse, Grimace, Appearance, Respiration (APGAR) scores, durations of first and second stages of labor, side effects, drug doses and amounts, VAS and VRS scores, and maternal satisfaction ratings were examined. Patients were divided into primiparous and multiparous groups. Epidural analgesia was administered using 0.25% bupivacaine and 25 µg fentanyl in intermittent boluses. ResultsIn the primiparous group, a moderate positive correlation was found between the total dose and VRS2 and VAS2 (P < .001). In the multiparous group, a strong positive correlation was observed between VRS2 and VAS2 (P < .001). Epidural analgesia did not affect the 1st and 5th minute APGAR scores. A significant moderate positive correlation between total dose and duration of labor was observed in primiparous women (P < .001). Maternal satisfaction was high, with 93.75% reporting “good.” No significant maternal or neonatal complications were observed. ConclusionEpidural analgesia provides effective pain relief during labor, allowing comfortable delivery without adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. Intermittent bolus administration through the epidural catheter is safe and can be preferred for close monitoring. Wider utilization of epidural labor analgesia could reduce cesarean section rates.

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