Dear Friends:

       "Epidural analgesia (EDA) has been reported to prolong labor. A study
examined the concentration of plasma oxytocin and the progress of labor in
women with and without EDA. Thirty-four full-term women in spontaneous labor
were included, 17 with epidural and 17 controls, matched for cervical
dilation and parity. Oxytocin was measured by radioimmunoassay before
analgesia, 60 min later and after placental discharge. No oxytocin
augmentation was given during the first hour. EDA during labor was associated
with a fall in plasma oxytocin. There was no difference in plasma oxytocin
levels between the groups at inclusion. One hour later, oxytocin
concentrations had decreased in the epidural and increased in the control
group. The change in oxytocin levels between the first and second sample
differed significantly between the groups. No difference in cervix dilatation
between the groups 1 h after inclusion was noted, but women with EDA had a
longer labor compared with those without, especially those with epidural and
oxytocin augmentation during the later phase of the first stage of labor.
Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 81 (11):1033- (2001)"



Nikki Lee RN, MSN, Mother of 2, IBCLC, CIMI, CCE, craniosacral therapy
Adjunct faculty, Union Institute and University, Maternal and Child Health:
Lactation Consulting
Supporting the WHO Code and the Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative

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