Obstetric Epidural Analgesia

Authors

  • Elsa Martins Interna do complementar de Medicina Geral e Familiar, Centro de Saúde de Aveiro
  • Maria João Marques Interna do complementar de Medicina Geral e Familiar, Centro de Saúde de Aveiro
  • João Tomé Interno do complementar de Anestesiologia, Centro Hospitalar de Coimbra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v18i3.9878

Keywords:

Epidural analgesia, Complications, Pain, Delivery, Prenatal care

Abstract

Objectives: To review the potential benefits, risks and secondary effects both to mother and child of obstetric epidural analgesia, to describe its indications and contraindications, and to identify situations in need of additional procedures. Methods: Critical review of published materials, based in a Medline search, textbooks and anesthesiology journals, with an emphasis on papers published in the last five years. Conclusions: In Portugal obstetric epidural analgesia is well established and increasingly requested by women, though some still fear and refuse the procedure. If used adequately, epidural analgesia is the least harmful and effective means of pain relief during delivery. However, some complications and secondary effects may occur, related to the procedure, the woman or the delivery process. The decision of submitting to epidural analgesia must be taken consciously; this involves timely and objective information from the family doctor of the pregnant patient during prenatal care consultations.

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Published

2002-05-01

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 3 (2002): Revista Portuguesa de Clínica Geral

Section

Reviews

License

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The authors authorise the RPMGF (or any entity it may appoint) to act on their behalf when it believes that copyright may have been infringed.

 

How to Cite

Obstetric Epidural Analgesia. (2002). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 18(3), 163-8. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v18i3.9878