Intrapartum epidural analgesia and emergency delivery rates due to fetal compromise by birth weight percentile

Abstract

Epidural analgesia (EDA) is widely used for maternal pain relief during labour. However, hemodynamic changes induced by EDA may adversely affect placental perfusion. In fetuses who already suffer from reduced placental function, manifested by fetal growth restriction, this may carry a higher risk of intrapartum compromise. This study aims to determine the emergency delivery rates due to fetal compromise after EDA compared to alternative- and no analgesia across the spectrum of birth weight centiles.