A review of prospectively controlled comparisons of epidural with non-epidural forms of pain relief during labour

Evidence derived from controlled comparisons of epidural with non-epidural forms of pain relief confirms that epidural block provides more effective relief of pain than alternatives; and that if it is continued during the second stage of labour, it can cause a substantial increase in the use of instrumental delivery.

Abstract

Considering the very widespread use of epidural block during labour, remarkably little is known about its short-term and long-term effects. In view of hypotheses about potentially important adverse effects, there is still a need to conduct larger, better designed randomised controlled trials.