Labour Epidural Analgesia on Maternal and Neonatal Outcome: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background: Modern obstetrics uses several methods to relieve pain in pregnant women during labour and childbirth. Labour epidural analgesia (LEA) is an increasingly recognized and accepted method for pain relief. A pain free mother giving birth of a healthy child is the main focus of labour analgesia. The objective of the current study was to assess the effects of labour epidural analgesia on maternal and neonatal outcome.Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in labour suit of BRB Hospital Limited, Panthapath, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January, 2020 to June, 2021. A total of 200 parturient received labour epidural analgesia at first stage of labour/s. Continuous epidural infusion of 0.0625% bupivacaine with fentanyl 2μg/ml @ 10ml/hour was given after 15-20 ml bolus of 0.1% bupivacaine and continued upto second stage of labour. The duration of labour, mode of delivery and the APGAR score, NICU admission of neonate were measured.Results: Out of 200 parturient, 166 (83%) were primigravidae and 34 (17%) were multigravidae. The average age of patients was 25 years (median, IQR 20-34 years). Average gestational age of parturient was 38.56 ± 1.25 weeks. The duration of labour was within normal range in 99% of patients. The rate of normal vaginal delivery, instrumental delivery and caesarean section were171 (85.5%), 19 (9.5%) and 10 (5%) respectively. APGAR score (>7) in 1st and 5th minute were 186 (93%) and 197 (98.5%) respectively. NICU admission was not reported.Conclusion: Labour epidural analgesia has no effect on progression of labour and does not alter the mode of delivery. It is associated with better APGAR score of the newborn.