[The use of Marcaine in obstetrical analgesia]

Bupivacaine (Marcaine) is being used increasingly in obstetrics for epidural analgesia, by virtue of the good sensory block obtained and the minimum of side-effects on the mother and newborn infant. At a concentration of less than 0.5 p. 100, analgesia is excellent with a minimal effect on motor fibres. Side-effects and toxicity are limited by the use of fractionated doses from the beginning of labour or of a single dose during or at the end of labour calculated in relation to the effect sought. Any action on the newborn infant would appear to be exceptional, if dose recommendations are respected, the high percentage of Marcaine bound to proteins limiting its transplacental passage.