Epidural analgesia for labor in a community hospital.

Epidural analgesia offers excellent relief from the pain of uterine contractions during labor. It is well tolerated by both mother and baby. However, recent reports suggest that epidurals increase the rate of both cesarean sections and instrumental deliveries, with their attendant costs and morbidities. At our community hospital, 100 consecutive labors using epidural anesthetics were contrasted with 100 consecutive labors managed without them. No significant differences were found in birth weights, Apgar scores, cesarean section rate, or complications. Forceps use was greatly increased, from 13% to 37% (p < 0.01).