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Women who receive epidurals during labor face a lower risk of severe complications, according to a new study published on Thursday. Researchers advocate for making epidurals more widely available and ensuring that expectant mothers are well-informed about their benefits.
The study, conducted by the University of Glasgow and the University of Bristol, analyzed data from 567,216 women who gave birth in Scottish hospitals managed by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) between 2007 and 2019. These women either delivered vaginally or underwent unplanned caesarean sections.
Out of the total participants, 125,024 women received an epidural. An epidural is administered via an injection in the back that blocks pain in specific areas of the body.
The research focused on the incidence of serious complications during childbirth, such as heart attacks, eclampsia, and hysterectomies. The findings revealed that receiving an epidural reduced the risk of these severe events by 35 percent. This protective effect was particularly significant for women who went into labor prematurely or had pre-existing medical or obstetric conditions.
The study, published in The BMJ, suggests that expanding access to epidural analgesia, especially for women at the highest risk, could substantially improve maternal health outcomes. “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,” said lead author Professor Rachel Kearns from the University of Glasgow.
Professor Kearns emphasized that by increasing access to epidurals and enhancing awareness, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of severe health outcomes, contributing to safer childbirth experiences.
From 2009 to 2018, instances of severe complications during childbirth nearly doubled in the UK, according to the researchers. They attribute this rise to factors such as women choosing to have children later in life and higher rates of obesity.
Professor Deborah Lawlor of the University of Bristol highlighted the importance of informed choice during pregnancy. “That women, and their partners, have control over their treatment during pregnancy, including the use of an epidural during labor, is important,” she said. She also stressed the need for providing clear, easy-to-understand information to women who would benefit from an epidural to prevent serious illness.
The study’s findings advocate for policy changes to ensure broader access to epidurals and better educational resources for expectant mothers, aiming to improve maternal health and reduce the risk of severe complications during childbirth.
