Effect of intrathecal labor analgesia using fentanyl 25 μg and bupivacaine 2.5 mg on progress of labor

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the progress of labor and hemodynamic changes in the mother and fetus with intrathecal analgesia using bupivacaine and fentanyl during normal vaginal delivery. Materials and Methods: Sixty nulliparous parturients in the active phase of labor with a cervical dilatation of >3 cm were selected for this prospective study. Group SA (n = 30) received an intrathecal injection of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.5 mg and fentanyl 25 μg and compared with Group C (n = 30) who refused to give consent for neuraxial analgesia. Visual analog score, progress of labor, maternal hemodynamic variations, and fetal heart rate were recorded. Statistical analysis included an unpaired and paired two-tailed t-tests. Result: Duration of the active phase of first stage of labor was shortened in group SA as compared to group C (115.50 vs. 134.0 min, P < 0.05). Duration of second stage of labor was prolonged in group SA as compared to group C (18.03 vs. 10.13 min, P < 0.05). Rate of cervical dilation was faster in group SA as compared to group C (3.021 vs. 2.486 cm/h, P < 0.05). Mean visual analog score, pulse rate, and mean arterial pressure was significantly decreased as compared to the baseline in group SA. No significant changes were noted in the fetal heart rate as compared to the baseline in both groups. Conclusions: Single-shot intrathecal analgesia using fentanyl 25 μg and bupivacaine 2.5 mg in active phase of first stage of labor associated with fast cervical dilation rate and no delay in the progress of labor.