Clinics in perinatology
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Clinics in perinatology · Sep 2005
ReviewEpidural analgesia for labor pain and its relationship to fever.
The association between labor epidural and maternal fever is well established. The direct effect of epidural on maternal temperature appears due to its interference with heat dissipation and rarely results in overt fever. ⋯ Thus it seems unreasonable to avoid labor epidurals due to the risk of fever. Epidural analgesia remains one of the most effective forms of pain relief in labor and is a reasonable option for most women.
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Urinary tract infections occur commonly in pregnancy. Bacterial colonization may occur in the lower and upper urinary tract, and is facilitated by the normal physiologic changes of pregnancy. Asymptomatic bacteriuria, cystitis, and pyelonephritis each pose a serious threat to the mother and fetus. Optimal treatment regimens and preventative strategies continue to be investigated.