Administering intrathecal sufentanil during the second stage of labor: impact on duration

The second stage of labor, or fetal expulsion phase, can be prolonged and uncomfortable, prompting research into methods for managing both its duration and associated discomfort. This study aimed to investigate how intrathecal administration of sufentanil affects the duration of the second stage of labor and its potential to alleviate pain, with particular attention to the potential use of vacuum-assisted delivery.

In this observational study, 200 pregnant women were randomly divided into two groups (n = 100). The first group underwent labor pain reduction using intrathecal sufentanil (3 ml), while the second group received no intervention. Various factors, including use of delivery tools (vacuum or forceps), birth weight, and Apgar score, were examined during the second stage of labor.

The results indicated no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, weight, height, parity, gravidity, gestational age, or body mass index. However, there was a notable difference in the duration of the second stage of labor between the groups (P < 0.05). Vacuum-assisted delivery was used in both groups, but the intervention with sufentanil did not significantly alter the frequency of its application.

Based on the findings, the use of sufentanil may help reduce labor discomfort and shorten the duration of the second stage of labor, but the role of vacuum-assisted delivery remains unaffected by the pain management technique.