Analgesia for Labour

Abstract

The pain of labour is severe and many women seek ways to reduce it. Non-regional techniques include supportive measures, inhalation of nitrous oxide and parenteral opioid administration. Epidural analgesia provides good quality pain relief in labour. Well conducted studies confirm there is no influence on the rate of caesarean delivery or long term back ache; however epidural analgesia is associated with increased duration of labour and increased incidence of operative vaginal delivery.