Lurie S, Feinstein M, Heifetz C, Mamet Y. Epidural analgesia for labor pain is not associated with a decreased frequency of uterine activity.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1999;
65:125-7. [PMID:
10405055 DOI:
10.1016/s0020-7292(99)00005-3]
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Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of epidural and pethidine analgesia on the frequency of uterine contractions during the first stage of labor.
DESIGN
Retrospective study.
SETTING
Delivery ward of a public hospital.
PATIENTS
Forty consecutive parturients.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
The mean number of contractions in the 30 min before administration of pethidine analgesia was 8.2+/-1.7 as compared to 8.7+/-1.3 after administration of the analgesia. The mean number of contractions in the 30 min before administration of epidural analgesia was 8.0+/-1.4 as compared to 8.8+/-1.9 after administration of the analgesia. The differences between the two groups and between the number of contractions before and after the administration of both types of analgesia were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
Properly and timely administered epidural analgesia during the first stage of labor has no effect on frequency of uterine activity.
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