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

Abstract

Aim: The 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 the delivery as well as eliminating the pain that occurs during labor. The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of epidural analgesia on mother, fetus, and labor. Material and Method: Files of pregnancies underwent epidural labor analgesia were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, hemodynamic parameters, Activity, Pulse, Grimace, Appearance, Respiration scores (APGAR scores), durations of first and second stages of labor, side effects, drug doses and amounts, VAS and VRS scores, maternal satisfaction ratings were examined. Results: In the primiparous group there is a moderate positive correlation between the total dose and Verbal Rating Scale 2 (VRS 2) and Visual Analog Scale 2 (VAS 2), (p-values are p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively). In the multiparous group, there is a strong positive correlation between VRS 2 and VAS 2 (p-values are p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively). There is also a moderate positive correlation between the total dose and VRS 2 and VAS 2 when all pregnant women are examined (p-values are p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively). It was observed that epidural analgesia had no effect on the 1st and 5th minute APGAR scores. There was a significant moderate positive correlation between total dose and duration of labor (p<0.001). Discussion: The use of epidural analgesia, during labor that generates intensive maternal pain and stress, when done by specialists, allows a highly satisfactory and comfortable labor by reducing pain of the mother.