Epidural analgesia and its effects on the "normal" progress of labor.
The effects of epidural analgesia on the duration of labor have been a controversal subject since its increased use in recent years. A total of 598 patients receiving this form of analgesia were studied as to progress in labor and eventual outcome. The mean cervical changes during epidural analgesia with a single drug, bupivacaine, 0.125%, with epinephrine, 1:200,000, have been calculated. The labor curves are characterized by constant acceleration in dilatation without deceleration at approximately the same rate for nulliparous and multiparous patients after dilatation of 5 cm. has been reached. Examination of maternal and fetal profiles failed to demonstrate any consistent variables that produce abnormal labor.
D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects; D002585:Cesarean Section; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007746:Labor Presentation; D007751:Labor, Induced; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000187:drug effects*; D009772:Obstetrical Forceps; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy
D002045:Bupivacaine; D004837:Epinephrine