[A comparative study on the obstetric aspects of epidural anaesthesia]

A retrospective analysis of 2,130 deliveries in 1980 was done. 42.21% of the women had epidural anaesthesia (EDA). They were compared with the 57.79% of the women, who did not have EDA. Decisive differences in both groups concerning age, fetal malposition, birth weight, umbilical artery pH and the Apgar score after one minute were not noted. There were more primiparous women in the EDA group and more women with a nationality other than German in the control group. Frequency of instrumental vaginal deliveries was extremely high in the EDA group as compared with the control group. In the EDA group a prolongation of labour especially the third stage was observed. A cesarian section due to an arrest in the process of labour was more often performed in the EDA group than in the control group. The suggestion is made that the relaxation of the pelvic floor and the diminuation of the bearing down reflex in EDA leads to a prolongation of labour and an increased instrumental delivery rate.