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Epidural-Related Maternal Fever Is Associated With Structural Alterations in Vaginal Floral Homeostasis Among
Chao Xiong1, Xuemeng Chen1, Wenhu Zhai1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, China, scu.edu.cn.
Obstetrics and Gynecology International
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Epidural-related maternal fever (ERMF) alters vaginal microbiota composition, increasing specific bacteria like Achromobacter. Labor duration, not ERMF, significantly impacts infant neurodevelopment scores at three months.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Obstetrics
- Neonatal Development
Background:
- Epidural analgesia is common during labor.
- Intrapartum fever can occur during labor.
- The impact of epidural-related maternal fever (ERMF) on maternal vaginal microbiota and infant neurodevelopment is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ERMF and maternal vaginal microbiota.
- To explore the potential link between ERMF and early infant neurodevelopment.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant women receiving epidural analgesia were divided into fever and control groups.
- Vaginal swabs were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Infant neurodevelopment was assessed at three months using the ASQ-3.
Main Results:
- ERMF was associated with altered vaginal microbiota beta diversity, increasing Achromobacter and Porphyromonas while decreasing Ezakiella.
- Functional predictions indicated decreased vaginal microbiota stability gene expression in the ERMF group.
- Infants exposed to ERMF showed a trend towards lower ASQ-3 scores, though not statistically significant (p=0.098).
- Labor duration was significantly associated with ASQ-3 scores (p=0.028).
Conclusions:
- ERMF is linked to changes in vaginal microbiota structure and specific bacterial genera.
- Labor duration, not ERMF, showed a significant association with infant neurodevelopmental scores.
- Limitations include small sample size and short follow-up, necessitating further research.
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