Abstract:

Epidural analgesia has increased in usage dramatically in the United States as a means of comfort for labor pain.  Prior studies have connected epidural analgesia to an increase in cesarean section birth rate, an increase in use of instrumentation, an increase in length of labor, an increase in episiotomy rate, and maternal fever.  Epidural analgesia produces additional costs to the patient and society.  The purpose of the research was to examine the relationship between epidural analgesia during childbirth and childbirth outcome.

The data from the study was obtained from a retrospective patient record review of 200 systematically selected labor patient who delivered in 2002 at a Midwestern hospital.  The epidural rate was 72% of all laboring patients at this facility in 2002, a significant increase from the previous 5 years.  Using the Chi-square test of independence, a relationship was established between epidural analgesia and four of the variables examined.  A statistically significant relationship was found to exist between epidural analgesia and cesarean section birth rate, Pitocin augmentation, and the first and second stages of labor with the total sample.  The results of the study are important for healthcare providers who are relaying influential wellness information to childbearing women and their partners.  The results indicate a need for further education for healthcare providers on alternative methods of pain relief for their patients during childbirth.

Presentation:

Ramstad, M. (2011). Epidural analgesia during childbirth and childbirth outcome, International Lamaze Convention, Fort Worth, TX.

Faculty Spotlight:

Marsha Ramstad received her Master of Science with emphasis on nursing education from North Dakota State University in 2004.   She is currently Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing on the main campus of Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ.  She spent over 20 years as a maternal child nurse in the hospital setting and as a childbirth educator.  She is involved in many professional organizations, campus activities, and volunteering at church.  She is married, has 2 daughters, and 6 grandchildren.    She enjoys spending time at a lake in Minnesota in the summer.