American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Oct 1977
Epidural analgesia and its effects on the "normal" progress of labor.
The effects of epidural analgesia on the duration of labor have been a controversal subject since its increased use in recent years. A total of 598 patients receiving this form of analgesia were studied as to progress in labor and eventual outcome. ⋯ The labor curves are characterized by constant acceleration in dilatation without deceleration at approximately the same rate for nulliparous and multiparous patients after dilatation of 5 cm. has been reached. Examination of maternal and fetal profiles failed to demonstrate any consistent variables that produce abnormal labor.