Effect of regional analgesia on maternal oxygen consumption during the first stage of labor.
Oxygen consumption, tidal volume, and minute volume decreased in 20 patients during the first stage of labor after either epidural or paracervical block. The elimination of pain with optimum regional analgesia is associated with a decrease in tidal and minute volumes, apprehension, and consequently a decreased oxygen consumption. These factors may contribute to a decrease in maternal lactic acidosis during labor.
D000328:Adult; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010146:Pain; D011247:Pregnancy; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests