It is evident that epidural analgesia (EA) is an effective form of labour analgesia. However, there are many controversies associated with the time of administration of EA and its relationship with the mode of delivery. In this regard, a recent case-control, the randomized study assessed whether initiating EA early influences the obstetric outcome in nulliparous women. The study reported no significant difference in the incidence of instrumental or caesarean delivery for women receiving early EA when compared with late epidurals or no EA. Source: Chattopadhyay I, Basu S, Jha AK.
Timing of administration of epidural analgesia and risk of operative delivery in nulliparous women: A case–control randomised study. Journal of Obstetric Anaesthesia and Critical Care. 2018 Jan 1;8(1):16.
