No abstract

Approximately 60% of women who labor receive some form of neuraxial analgesia, but concerns have been raised regarding whether it negatively impacts the labor and delivery process. In this review, we attempt to clarify what has been established as truths, falsities, and uncertainties regarding the effects of this form of pain relief on labor progression, negative and/or positive. Additionally, although the term “epidural” has become synonymous with neuraxial analgesia, we discuss two other techniques, combined spinal-epidural and continuous spinal analgesia, that are gaining popularity, as well as their effects on labor progression.

The combination of TAP block and acetaminophen and NSAID provided less variability in dynamic pain compared with either treatment alone.

No abstract

The 23-gauge spinal catheter can be used for analgesia for labor. It can also be converted to surgical anesthesia for cesarean deliveries. Further studies are warranted to determine whether the spinal catheter will be a useful addition to the neuraxial techniques available for obstetric anesthesia care.