Obstetric analgesia, anaesthesia and the Apgar score.
This study examines the changing pattern of maternal analgesia administration during the decade 1970-1979. In addition, the relationship between analgesia, anaesthesia and the infant's Apgar score was documented. Approximately 40000 deliveries to South Glamorgan residents were included in the study. Over the two quinquennia 1970-1974 and 1975-1979 the administration of epidural block increased from 5.6% to 17.5%. The Apgar score of babies in the epidural block group was significantly better in the latter period. Respiratory depression following Caesarean section remains a problem. The group delivered by elective Caesarean section contained a substantial proportion of infants with a low Apgar score; 30% had an Apgar score less than 8 and 10% had a score of less than 4. Likely causative factors include undue sensitivity of the infants' respiratory centre and aortocaval compression during surgery.
D000698:Analgesia; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D001034:Apgar Score; D002585:Cesarean Section; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies