Obstetric analgesia, anasthesia and the Apgar score

Abstract

This study examines the changing pattern of maternal analgesia administration during the decade 1970–1979. In addition, the relationship between analgesia, anasthesia and the infant's Apgar score was documented. Approximately 40000 deliveries to South Glamorgan residents were included in the study. Over the two quinquennia 1970–1974 and 1975–1979 the administration of epidural block increased from 5.6% to 17.5%. The Apgar score of babies in the epidural block group was significantly better in the latter period. Respiratory depression following Caesarean section remains a problem. The group delivered by elective Caesarean section contained a substantial proportion of infants with a low Apgar score; 30% had an Apgar score less than 8 and 10% had a score of less than 4. Likely causative factors include undue sensitivity of the infants' respiratory centre and aortocaval compression during surgery. Copyright © 1984, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved