Effective Epidural Analgesia during Labor: A Feasible Method to Decrease Unnecessary Cesarean Deliveries in Thailand
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
22288082
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85201092426
Journal Title
Siriraj Medical Journal
Volume
76
Issue
8
Start Page
541
End Page
549
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Siriraj Medical Journal Vol.76 No.8 (2024) , 541-549
Suggested Citation
Lertkovit S., Camann W.R. Effective Epidural Analgesia during Labor: A Feasible Method to Decrease Unnecessary Cesarean Deliveries in Thailand. Siriraj Medical Journal Vol.76 No.8 (2024) , 541-549. 549. doi:10.33192/smj.v76i8.268247 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/100569
Title
Effective Epidural Analgesia during Labor: A Feasible Method to Decrease Unnecessary Cesarean Deliveries in Thailand
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Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Thailand has reported a high rate of cesarean delivery (45%–55%), prompting global concern about an increase in cesarean delivery rates. Fear of labor pains is one of the most common reasons pregnant women opt for cesarean delivery. Labor pain is associated with cervix dilation and fetal descent into the birth canal, which is exacerbated by ischemic pain caused by uterine contraction. Modern medical and non-medical techniques have demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain and ensuring safety during labor and delivery. Neuraxial labor analgesia is a highly effective medical pain relief method but has no effect on the rate of cesarean or assisted vaginal delivery. Medication administration for pain relief during labor, using a combination of a local anesthetic and an opioid, was observed to be transmitted across the placenta to the fetus, but had no significant effects on fetal outcomes in mothers who chose epidural analgesia. There are several techniques for administering neuraxial labor analgesia that can be customized for each pregnant woman. To achieve the most wonderful feasible labor and delivery experience, effective epidural labor analgesia is a crucial technique for reducing anxiety and suffering about labor pain. It is safe, widely used world-wide, and effective. Implementing a policy to increase public and medical providers awareness and acceptance of labor pain relief, as well as establishing a safe obstetric anesthesia service provided by obstetric anesthesiologists, could improve maternal and neonatal safety while significantly lowering the rate of unnecessary cesarean deliveries.