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Analgesia for vaginal birth: Secondary analysis from the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health.

Souza MA, Cecatti JG, Guida JP, Souza JP, Gulmezoglu AM, Betran AP, R Torloni M, Vogel JP, Costa ML, WHO-MCS study group

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  • Journal International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics

  • Published 11 Nov 2020

  • Volume 152

  • ISSUE 3

  • Pagination 401-408

  • DOI 10.1002/ijgo.13424

Abstract

To evaluate the use of analgesia during labor in women who had a vaginal birth and to determine the factors associated with its use.

test.

Among the 221 345 women who had a vaginal birth, only 4% received labor analgesia, mainly epidural. The prevalence of women receiving analgesia was significantly higher in countries with a higher HDI than in countries with a lower HDI. Education was significantly associated with increased use of analgesia; nulliparous women and women undergoing previous cesarean delivery had a significantly increased likelihood of receiving analgesia.

Use of analgesia for women undergoing labor and vaginal delivery was low, specifically in low-HDI countries. Whether low use of analgesia reflects women's desire or an unmet need for pain relief requires further studies.