Cervicographic progress in active Phase and obstetric outcome in Patients undergoing labour under Epidural analgesia

Objective: To analyze the progress of labour and then the obstetric and fetal outcome of the patients who received epidural analgesia in labor and comparing them with those who did not receive epidural analgesia. Study design: Hospital based prospective comparative study. Methodology: The study involved 200 patients who were divided into 2 groups on the basis of whether they received epidural analgesia or not, with 100 patients in each group. The advantages and disadvantages of epidural analgesia were evaluated. Results: When compared with the non-epidural analgesia group (n = 100), the group that received epidural analgesia (n = 100) had significant prolongation in the duration of first and the second stage of labour and higher likelihood of instrumental delivery. 57.4% patients in the epidural group delivered to the left of the progress line whereas 69.6% patients in the control group delivered to the left. There was also an increased incidence of caesarean deliveries in the epidural group as compared to the control group but the difference was not significant statistically (20% Vs 17%, p>0.05). There was no difference in the neonatal outcome of the patients who received epidural analgesia as compared to control group. Moreover, pain relief and maternal satisfaction was excellent in patients who requested epidural analgesia. Conclusion: Compared with other techniques, epidural analgesia is the most effective form of analgesia. Factors contributing to the progress and outcome of labour are multiple and complex. Epidurals do not increase caesarean section rates. However, we must strive to reduce any effect on duration of labour and instrumental vaginal delivery rates by minimizing motor block through the use of low dose local anaesthetic and opioid combinations. The addition of patient- controlled epidural analgesia and innovations using new technologies enhance patient satisfaction