[Effect of epidural anesthesia via catheter on the mother and her fetus]

The present study describes the effects of lumbar epidural anaesthesia performed on a group of pregnant women (group A) during the period 1986-1988. The overall behavior of the women of group A is compared to that of another group of 990 women on whom no epidural anaesthesia was performed (group B). No serious hyperventilation was observed on any of the women of group A and no PO2 drop in the intervals between contractions of the uterus. Metabolic acid production of both mother and foetus was lower than that observed in group B. Comparisons of multiparas of group A to those of group B showed a higher percentage normal cardiotocographic records among the former. Newborns in group A showed better Apgar scores. No serious complications were observed among women of group A.