Main findings
In this retrospective registry study, the association of EA with neonatal short-term outcome in Austria was assessed. The application of EA for spontaneous vaginal birth in primiparous women at term was associated with short-term outcome regarding lower pH and less negative BE in arterial umbilical cord blood. However the magnitude of these findings lack clinical importance. In neonates of parturients with EA, APGAR scores after 5 minutes <7 were observed, and admitted to a NICU more frequently. Perinatal mortality was similar in both groups.