Effect of Epidural Analgesia on Labor and Neonatal Outcomes
Labor outcomes, Epidural analgesia, Maternal health, Adverse effects, Neonatal outcomes
AuthorsAbstractIntroduction: Labor pain is one of the most intense forms of pain experienced by women. Epidural analgesia offers several benefits that support pregnancy and facilitate the labor process. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of epidural analgesia (EA) on labor progression and neonatal outcomes. Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted in Maternity Hospital in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq over a nine-month period (April 1 to December 31, 2018). This study included 200 pregnant women in labor, divided into two groups: 100 received EA during labor, while the remaining 100 women did not receive EA. Maternal and intrapartum outcomes were systematically evaluated by the research team, whereas neonatal assessments were conducted independently by a hospital pediatrician. Results: A significant association was observed between epidural analgesia (EA) and assisted vaginal delivery (p = 0.01). The first stage of labor was significantly longer among women without EA, whereas the second stage was prolonged in those who received EA (p < 0.001). No significant differences in neonatal outcomes were identified between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Epidural analgesia demonstrated a measurable impact on maternal labor characteristics, without compromising neonatal safety, reinforcing its role in obstetric care.
Received-18-05-2026 Revised-21-06-2026 Accepted-28-06-2026
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