Key result
Central blockades deliver effective labor analgesia without increasing cesarean risk or lowering newborn Apgar scores.
Why the study?
Labor pain can negatively affect the course of labor and fetal well-being, leading to the development of various non-pharmacological and pharmacological pain-relief techniques.
Central blockades are considered the gold standard for labor analgesia and are safe for both mother and child, without increasing cesarean section rates or lowering APGAR scores.
Supports central blockades as standard labor analgesia; leaves open need for updated RCTs on alternatives.
Labor pain is not only an unpleasant mental experience, but one of the most important factors that may negatively affect the course of labor and the well-being of the fetus. Over the years, many techniques for relieving labor pain have been developed, ranging from non-pharmacological (acupuncture, TENS, hypnosis...), through opioids and aeriform anesthetics, to regional analgesia techniques. Numerous studies and meta-analyzes prove that central blockades are the gold standard of labor analgesia and debunk the myths that these blockages are negatively limited to the course of labor. In the light of recent studies, the claim that epidural analgesia increases the risk of termination by caesarean section should be rejected. It has also been proven that central blockades do not lower the child's APGAR score. Feeling, an indication to use a central block during labor, should be a subjective intolerance to pain and the wishes of the mother in labor. The review presents the directions of development and the current state of knowledge of modern medicine regarding various anesthesia techniques, their safety for the mother, fetus and newborn, as well as practical tips to increase the satisfaction of the mother in labor.
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Jastrzȩbska-Stojko et al. (2021) conducted a review in Labor pain and surgical delivery in pregnant women. Labor analgesia and anesthesia techniques was evaluated. Central blockades are considered the gold standard for labor analgesia, providing effective pain relief without increasing the risk of cesarean section or lowering the newborn's Apgar score.
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