Epidural in labour can reduce risk of serious complications by 35%, study finds

Having an epidural during labour can reduce the risk of serious childbirth complications by 35%, according to research that suggests expanding access to the treatment may improve maternal health.

An epidural is an injection in the back to stop someone feeling pain in part of their body. Making them more widely available and providing more information to those who would benefit from one was even more important than previously thought, researchers said.

The study by the University of Glasgow and the University of Bristol involved 567,216 women who were in labour in Scottish NHS hospitals from 2007 and 2019, and went on to give birth vaginally or by an unplanned caesarean section. Of the total, 125,024 of the women had an epidural.

Researchers analysed the rate of serious complications, including heart attacks, eclampsia, and hysterectomies during childbirth. Having an epidural cut the risk of these events by 35%, the study found. 

The lead author, Prof Rachel Kearns, of the University of Glasgow, said: “This finding underscores the need to ensure access to epidurals, particularly for those who are most vulnerable – women facing higher medical risks or delivering prematurely. “By broadening access and improving awareness, we can significantly reduce the risk of serious health outcomes and ensure safer childbirth experiences.”

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Source: The Guardian, 22 May 2024