Epidural analgesia in labour

Bautista and George present several facts about epidural analgesia in labor. Most patients who choose epidural analgesia in labor are just as likely to have a vaginal delivery as those who do not. Current epidural analgesia in labor uses a combination of low-concentration local anesthetics and opioid to optimize pain control while minimizing motor block. This type of analgesia does not increase the risk of cesarean delivery. In trials conducted since 2005, there was no difference in the proportion of women with an assisted vaginal delivery. Most trials were conducted in women with a single fetus and uncomplicated pregnancies.