Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Utilization of Labour Epidural Analgesia in Scotland: A Population-Based Study

( Anaesthesia . 2024;79:473–485. doi:10.1111/anae.16236) Socioeconomic disparity is a major contributor to maternal health risks, presenting a public health obstacle. Epidural analgesia (EA), considered the best by the World Health Organization for managing labor pain, enhances maternal results like pain relief and satisfaction while reducing the chances of postnatal depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Usage of EA varies in high-income countries due to sociodemographic factors despite its advantages. Reports from the United States and the UK indicate a rise in maternal and perinatal risks within socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.