Obstetrical & gynecological survey
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Obstet Gynecol Surv · May 1994
ReviewEpidural analgesia in labor and cesarean delivery for dystocia.
Published studies assessing the effect of epidural analgesia in nulliparous labor on the frequency of cesarean delivery for dystocia are reviewed. There are at least four retrospective studies and two prospective studies that suggest that epidural analgesia may increase the risk of cesarean delivery for dystocia in first labors. ⋯ Epidural is safe and may be a superior labor analgesic when compared with narcotics. However, patients should be informed that epidural analgesia may increase the risk of cesarean birth in first labors.