Paresthesias and Motor Dysfunction after Labor and Delivery

The incidence of paresthesias and motor dysfunction associated with 23,827 deliveries at Winnipeg Women's Hospital during a 9-yr period (1975-1983) was 18.9/10,000 deliveries. All the symptoms resolved within 72 hr after supportive therapy only. The frequency of paresthesias and motor dysfunction was greater in primiparas, women who had forceps- or vacuum-assisted deliveries, and women who had epidural or general anesthesia. Significant neurologic deficits after labor and delivery with or without epidural anesthesia were rare. Epidural anesthesia is a safe technique in this regard.