[The labor test under epidural analgesia. Apropos of 87 cases]

Two series of trials of labour are compared: the first series without any particular analgesia and the second under epidural analgesia. The caesarian rate was significantly less in the second series because the trial of labour was able to be pursued for a longer period of time without any danger to the foetus. The authors consider that, provided cases of mechanical dystocia and maternal agitation are eliminated, trial of labour under epidural anaesthesia can result in a real cephalopelvic engagement.