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Partner's presence during initiation of epidural labor analgesia does not decrease maternal stress: a prospective
Sharon Orbach-Zinger1, Yehuda Ginosar, Julia Sverdlik
1Department of Anesthesiology, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, 39 Jabotinski St., Petach Tikvah, Israe. sharonorbach@yahoo.com
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|January 19, 2012
Summary
Partner presence during epidural analgesia initiation did not reduce maternal anxiety. In fact, having a partner in the room during epidural catheter insertion increased anxiety and pain for both mother and partner.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pain Management
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Epidural analgesia is a common method for pain and anxiety relief during childbirth.
- The impact of partner presence during the initiation of epidural analgesia on maternal and partner stress and pain perception is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if partner presence during epidural analgesia initiation reduces maternal and partner stress and perceived maternal pain.
- To evaluate the effect of partner presence on anxiety and pain during epidural catheter insertion.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving healthy, nulliparous women and their partners requesting epidural analgesia.
- Couples were randomized into "partner in" or "partner out" groups for epidural catheter insertion.
- Maternal and partner anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate, and salivary amylase were measured before and after epidural insertion. Pain during insertion was also assessed.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in baseline maternal anxiety between groups.
- Parturients in the "partner in" group reported higher anxiety levels post-insertion (P=0.03).
- Pain scores during epidural catheter placement were significantly higher in the "partner in" group compared to the "partner out" group (P=0.004).
Conclusions:
- Partner presence during epidural catheter insertion for labor analgesia did not decrease anxiety levels.
- Anxiety and pain associated with epidural catheter placement were greater when the partner remained in the room.
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