Fetomaternal Outcomes in Epidural Analgesia during Labour: A Double-Arm Randomised Control Study

Background: Childbirth is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences a woman will ever go through. The use of analgesia during labor that is effective and safe has always been a topic of debate, alongside misconceptions and discussions about labor pain management. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of Epidural Analgesia (EA) on both the woman and the fetus during labor, as well as to compare the fetomaternal outcomes between the control and epidural groups. Materials and Methods: This study was a two-year, double-arm, randomized controlled trial conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, VIMSAR, Burla, between November 2018 and October 2020. Prior to participating in the study, all participants provided written informed consent, and strict confidentiality was maintained for all patient-related data throughout the investigation. Results: The results indicated that epidural pain management had no effect on the duration of the second stage of labor, which was similar in both groups (p=0.1). Cesarean section was performed for 7.3% of the analgesia group. Prolonged labor was observed in 50% of the women, fetal distress in 25%, and deep transverse arrest in 25%. Due to fetal jeopardy, three out of 55 expectant women in the control group underwent emergency caesarean sections. Conclusion: In conclusion, lumbar epidural analgesia, when administered by a skilled practitioner, offers a safe analgesic technique. This study supports its use as a recommendation for all women undergoing normal labor.