METHODOLOGY:
Pregnant women admitted to labour room of RL JALAPPA Hospital were the
study population. At the time of enrolment, an informed written consent
was obtained from the patients. After the onset of true labour pains,
epidural catheter was inserted and epidural analgesia was activated with
adequate dose of 0.125% Bupivacaine and subsequent top ups given as
required. Maternal heart rate, blood pressure, foetal heart rate were
monitored following insertion of epidural catheter. Each woman was
followed up until delivery and the outcome was recorded and parameters
involved with pain perception, duration of labour were noted. Maternal
pain severity assessed by Visual Analogue Scale Patient was asked to
place a finger over the scale, according to the intensity of pain felt
by her No pain-0 to 4mm
Mild pain-5-44mm
Moderate pain-45-74mm
Severe pain-75-100mm
SAMPLE SIZE CALCULATION : 40 Female patients who were admitted
for normal delivery opting labour analgesia are studied. Data collected
was entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet. The results were analysed.