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Oxytocin deficiency at delivery with epidural analgesia
Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1983.tb08611.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 90, Issue 3, pages 214–219, March 1983
Additional Information
How to Cite
GOODFELLOW, C. F., HULL, M. G. R., SWAAB, D. F., DOGTEROM, J. and BUIJS, R. M. (1983), Oxytocin deficiency at delivery with epidural analgesia. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 90: 214–219. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1983.tb08611.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Received 17 May 1982 Accepted 5 October 1982
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Summary. The effect of epidural analgesia on oxytocin release during the second stage of normal labour was studied by comparing 10 primigravidae who had epidurals with 10 control subjects who did not have epidurals. A significant increment in oxytocin between paired peripheral blood samples taken at the onset of full cervical dilatation and crowning of the fetal head was found in the control subjects but not in those with epidurals. Forceps delivery was required more often in the group with epidural analgesia and was associated with lower oxytocin levels at crowning. Since distension of the lower birth canal and stimulation of pelvic autonomic nerves leads to oxytocin release, and the need for forceps associated with epidurals can be reduced by oxytocin, these differences are attributed to the lumbar epidural block.