To study the painless labour by epidural analgesia and its effects on cardiotocographic parameters and labour

Background: Epidural analgesia is a central nerve block technique achieved by injection of a local anesthetic close to the nerves that transmit pain and is widely used as a form of pain relief in labor. The objective was to study the effect of epidural analgesia on cardiotocographic parameters and relief of pain, effect on course of labor and its outcome in terms of duration, any complications and mode of delivery. Methods: A prospective observational study was done on 100 subjects. They were randomly divided into study and control groups, study group (50) were given epidural analgesia after 3cm dilatation while control group (50) did not receive any analgesic. NST was taken before and after analgesia, course of labor, duration of labor, mode of delivery. Results: The study shows no significant effect of epidural analgesia on the duration of labor, mode of delivery, and CTG parameters. Conclusion: Epidural analgesia group shows better pain relief. It favors normal course of labor, no effect on cardiotocographic parameters. Subjects in study group were more satisfied. [Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol 2013; 2(4.000): 666-670]