Epidurals increase birth aid need

Women who have an epidural to ease the pain of childbirth are more likely to need medical help to have their baby, scientists say. A review of 21 studies comparing epidurals to other forms of pain relief showed women who chose them were 40% more likely to need intervention.

The Cochrane Review, an independent health database, reviewed studies involving 6,664 women. The review found women opting for an epidural were more likely to experience a longer second stage of labor - when the baby is pushed out of the birth canal - and to have drugs to stimulate contractions. They also faced a greater risk of being unable to move for a short time after birth and to experience low blood pressure. But there were no significant differences in the risk of having a Caesarean, long-term backache or immediate adverse effects on the baby between the women having epidurals and those who did not.

BBCNews.com