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.