Epidurals reduce serious childbirth complications by 35 per cent, study finds
Instances of severe childbirth complications almost doubled between 2009 and 2018 in UK
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Women who have an epidural during labour face a lower risk of severe complications during childbirth, according to a study.
Making epidurals more widely available and providing more information to those who would benefit from one is important, researchers said.
The study by the University of Glasgow and the University of Bristol involved 567,216 women who were in labour in Scottish NHS hospitals from 2007 and 2019, and went on to give birth vaginally or by an unplanned caesarean section.
Of the total, some 125,024 women had an epidural, which is administered through an injection in the back and blocks pain in certain parts of the body.
Researchers analysed the rate of serious complications, including heart attacks, eclampsia, and hysterectomies during childbirth.
Having an epidural cut the risk of these events by 35 per cent, the study found.
They were also more effective in women who went into labour prematurely, or who had previous medical or obstetric conditions.
By broadening access and improving awareness, we can significantly reduce the risk of serious health outcomes and ensure safer childbirth experiences.
Researchers said their findings – published in The BMJ – suggest “expanding access to epidural analgesia for all women during labour, and particularly for those at greatest risk, could improve maternal health”.
Lead author Professor Rachel Kearns, of the University of Glasgow, added: “This finding underscores the need to ensure access to epidurals, particularly for those who are most vulnerable – women facing higher medical risks or delivering prematurely.
“By broadening access and improving awareness, we can significantly reduce the risk of serious health outcomes and ensure safer childbirth experiences.”
Instances of severe complications during childbirth almost doubled between 2009 and 2018 in the UK, according to researchers.
They said this reflects the trend of people waiting until they are older to have babies or being obese.
Prof Deborah Lawlor, of the University of Bristol, said: “That women, and their partners, have control over their treatment during pregnancy, including the use of an epidural during labour, is important.
“It is also important that women who would benefit from an epidural to prevent them becoming seriously ill are provided with easy to understand information to help them make an informed decision.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.