Extradural analgesia and retinal haemorrhage in the newborn

The incidence and severity of retinal haemorrhage were examined in 976 babies born by vaginal delivery. The influence of the method of analgesia, instrumental delivery and parity was studied. The mothers of 638 infants received extradural analgesia, while the other 338 received either narcotics or no analgesia. Extradural analgesia did not lead to a higher incidence of retinal haemorrhage, even though the number of vacuum extractions was doubled. With increasing parity, the total frequency and the frequency of severe retinal haemorrhage decreased (P less than 0.001). Severe retinal haemorrhage was not seen in any baby of whom the mother was para 4 or more.