[Childbirth in 2 patients with congenital analgesia]

Pregnancy and labour in two cases of congenital analgesia are reported. Not only was there total absence of labour pains but also no perception of uterine contractions. In both cases the women did not notice the onset of labour till the moment of spontaneous rupture of the membranes. Due to the absence of bearing down efforts, expulsion ceased for several hours in the second stage; nevertheless, delivery followed spontaneously. As the patient is unaware of labour, fetal asphyxia may occur during the second stage if the child is not under technical control. Stillborn children have been reported. For this reason we recommend programmed birth in cases of congenital analgesia.