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The effect of lumbar epidural analgesia on the fetal heart
Fetal heart rate was monitored by continuous cardiotocography in 67 patients who were subjected to standard epidural block. In 43% of cases a deterioration in the fetal heart rate pattern was observed. The abnormal heart rate usually responded to conservative treatment. In 3 cases caesarean section was necessary. The deterioration of the fetal heart rate was usually associated with maternal hypotension.
Fetal heart rate was monitored by continuous cardiotocography in 67 patients who were subjected to standard epidural block. In 43% of cases a deterioration in the fetal heart rate pattern was observed. The abnormal heart rate usually responded to conservative treatment. In 3 cases caesarean section was necessary. The deterioration of the fetal heart rate was usually associated with maternal hypotension.