title: The bupivacaine paracervical block in labor and its effect on quantitative uterine activity.
abstract: This study utilized internal fetal monitoring and an on-line voltage control oscillator for measurement of uterine activity unit (UAU) determination in patients who received a paracervical block (PCB) with the use of bupivacaine hydrochloride (Marcaine). The total dose of 25 mg (5 cc/side) of 0.25% bupivacaine used for PCB in 32 patients produced no ill effects to the fetus, as reflected by baseline fetal heart rate (FHR), beat-to-beat variablity, or Apgar scores. No adverse maternal effects were noted, and anesthesia was rated good or excellent in 81% of patients. Rate of cervical dilation remained the same or increased in 29 of 32 patients. Quantitative UAUs showed a significant decrease in the third 10-minute interval after block in primiparas, but no significant change in multiparas or in the group taken as a whole. Total UAUs before versus after PCB for either group or taken together were not statistically different. A decreasing trend in UAUs after PCB versus a positive regression line from activity prior to the block was noted.
mesh_terms: D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D002045:Bupivacaine