The Journal of family practice
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Epidural anesthesia, although effective, has been associated with changing the course of labor. Previous studies have been criticized for not pinpointing the factors determining the use of epidural anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of epidural anesthesia use on the course of labor. ⋯ The average length of the second stage of labor is significantly longer for women who receive epidural anesthesia. The rate of epidural anesthesia use in this study population was strongly influenced by a change in health-care financing.