Patient Decision Making Surrounding Epidural Use in Labor
Authors: Sridharan Divya , Ryan Kelly , Griffin Annie , Adam Kailynn , Lusby Christine , Patel Ravi , Lynn Mary , Adams William , Pham Thythy , Frenn Recia 
Published: July 2024

Introduction/Objectives: Labor is thought to be one of the most painful experiences in a woman’s life, similar to pain caused by complex regional pain syndromes. Epidural analgesia has been proven to provide excellent pain relief, and many women in the United States choose this during their labor course. The decision to use, or not to use, neuraxial analgesia is complex and multifactorial, and has historically generated debate amongst patients and obstetric providers. In addition, many patients will also change their minds about desiring an epidural in labor during their admission to Labor & Delivery based on various factors encountered. This study aimed to determine the number of patients who change their mind about epidural in labor. We also aimed to characterize the factors involved in patients’ decision about epidural analgesia during labor and to determine if these factors change throughout the labor and delivery course.

Methods: This study was a single-center, non-randomized, cross-sectional study that was performed at Loyola University Medical Center in the Labor & Delivery unit. The study population included all full-term nulliparous patients that were admitted to Labor & Delivery for full term labor or induction of labor. Patients were eligible if they were 18 years of age or older, and able to read, speak, and complete the study questionnaire in English. Exclusion criteria included previous vaginal delivery, contraindication to vaginal delivery, no plan to deliver during admission, and contraindication to epidural analgesia.

The patients completed one questionnaire about preferences for epidural and influencing factors prior to delivery, and one questionnaire after delivery with similar questions. Demographics were collected, as well as data about complications and details of their labor and delivery course.

Results: A total of 199 patients completed the study. The epidural rate was higher in patients who planned to receive it (n = 141/144 or 97.9%) than in patients who did not plan to receive an epidural (n = 49/55 or 89.1%). Further, there was significant discordance between patients’ plans for an epidural and receipt of the medication. That is, only three (1.5%) patients who planned to receive an epidural did not receive one. Conversely, 49 (24.6%) patients who did not plan to receive an epidural received one. Compared to patients who did not plan to receive an epidural, those who planned to receive the medication reported that their OBGYN physician (OR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.80 – 6.06; p < .001), Anesthesiology physician (OR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.50 – 4.96; p = .001), and labor nurse (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.38 – 4.53; p =.002) were more important sources of information. Further, when compared to patients who did not plan to receive an epidural, those who planned to receive the medication reported they wanted to be more comfortable during the course of labor (OR = 4.84, 95% CI: 2.50 – 9.39; p < .001), that receiving an epidural would make their labor experience more enjoyable (OR = 27.17, 95% CI: 11.72 – 63.00; p < .001), and that getting an epidural was safe (OR = 5.91, 95% CI: 2.96 – 11.80; p < .001).

Conclusions: In conclusion, this study found that the majority of patients in our study population chose to receive an epidural in labor, regardless of their plans at the start of their admission. The most important factors in the decision were discussions with the OBGYN and Anesthesiology physicians. Patients who decided to receive an epidural, despite planning not to, reported that they wanted to be more comfortable during their labor course and that receiving an epidural would make their labor experience more enjoyable.