The effect of continuous low-dose epidural analgesia on uterine work during the active phase of the first stage of labour.
Fifty-six patients admitted to hospital in normal spontaneous labour were given a continuous epidural infusion of 10 ml (12.5 mg) of 0.125% bupivacaine during the 1st stage of labour. Uterine contractions were monitored with an intra-uterine pressure transducer and uterine work expressed both in Alexandria units and the area under the curve of the intra-uterine pressure recording summated over 15 minutes. Variables that have been shown to affect uterine contractions were strictly excluded. Our study showed that continuous low-dose epidural analgesia had no significant effect on uterine work during the active phase of the 1st stage of labour when cervical dilatation was 5 cm or more. If cervical dilatation was between 3 and 4 cm there was a 2.9% reduction. This reduction in uterine work was also not significant and in all patients spontaneously returned to its previous level within 91 minutes.
Guidozzi
F
F
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Johannesburg Hospital.
Graham
K M
KM
Buchmann
E J
EJ
Christophers
G J
GJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000379:methods; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007747:Labor Stage, First / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D002045:Bupivacaine