Anaesthesia
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A retrospective survey has been carried out of 6442 births during 1973-1974 in Cardiff. Lumbar epidural block had been administered to the mothers of 13-7% (885) of the births, the principle indication being relief of pain. In the management of the mother special emphasis was laid upon avoiding aorto-caval compression. ⋯ This improvement in mortality could simply be related to the increased use of forceps delivery associated with epidural block. A controlled trial of epidural block is therefore indicated in the management of the premature fetus. In babies over 2-5 kg, or, those who were immature, epidural block was not associated with a reduction or increase in perinatal mortality.