Early epidural does not raise c-section risk

Women in labour who need early pain relief need not fear that an epidural makes it more likely that they'll have to have a cesarean section. Compared with intravenous narcotic pain control, epidural pain control started in early labour does not increase the probability that women will undergo a c-section. Moreover, an early epidural seems to provide better pain control and may shorten the duration of labour. Previous reports have linked epidural analgesia with an elevated risk of cesarean delivery, but it is possible that this increased risk was due to related factors and not to the epidural per se. Researchers from the Northwestern University in Chicago, assessed the outcomes of 750 pregnant women who received epidural pain control or intravenous hydromorphone started in the early stages of labour. In contrast to previous reports, the c-section rate in the epidural group was actually slightly lower than that seen in the comparison group: 17.8 versus 20.7 percent. There was evidence that epidural pain control hastened delivery. The time from the start of pain control until delivery was significantly shorter in the epidural group. In addition, epidural anaesthesia was associated with significant improvements in pain and with better Apgar scores, the system used to evaluate infants in the first minutes of life.

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Was this Article Helpful Yes or No

Web Stories

Best Drinks To Beat Bloating

What Is Motion Sickness. Tips To Prevent It

Summer Foods For Strong Immunity

7 Blood Thinning Foods For Healthy Heart

How To Take Care Of Mental Health?

Benefits Of Aerial Yoga

Tips To Avoid Conjunctivitis

8 Yoga Poses For Kids To Help Increase Height

Must Try Tips To Build Stamina

Lemon: A Multipurpose Starter Pack