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Am J Perinatol 2002; 19(3): 119-126
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-25312
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Effect of Maternal Epidural Analgesia on Fetal Intrapartum Oxygen Saturation

Christine E. East1 , Paul B. Colditz
  • Perinatal Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Royal Women's Hospital and Health Services District, Brisbane, Australia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
25 April 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The use of maternal epidural analgesia in labor may be associated with nonreassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns. Fetal oxygen saturation (FSpO2) monitoring may improve assessment of fetal well-being during this time. Mean FSpO2 values were compared over seven 5-minute epochs: 5 minutes prior to an epidural event (combined insertion of epidural/top-up epidural analgesia and infusion pump bolus), to 30 minutes following the event, including possible effects of maternal position and FHR pattern on FSpO2 values. Mean FSpO2 values were significantly different between the 5 minutes prior (49.5%) versus 16-20 minutes (44.3%, p <0.05), 21-25 minutes (43%, p <0.01), and 26-30 minutes (43.8%, p <0.05) epochs; and 6-10 minutes (48.3%) versus 21-25 minutes (43%, p <0.05) epochs, but were not influenced by FHR pattern or maternal position. There were no differences in mean FSpO2 values following administration of an epidural infusion bolus. We conclude that fetal oxygenation was affected following initial or top-up epidural analgesia and that fetal intrapartum pulse oximetry may be useful in assessing fetal status following these events.

KEYWORD

Fetal - pulse oximetry - epidural - labor

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