Comparison between Epidural and Programmed Analgesia on Pain Relief during Labour in 70 Parturients

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Labour pain is one of the most severe forms of physiological pain, and effective analgesia significantly improves maternal satisfaction and obstetric outcomes. Epidural labour analgesia (ELA) is the gold standard; however, programmed labour analgesia (PLA) a multimodal regimen integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological elements has gained popularity for its simplicity, accessibility, and reduced intervention rates. Objective: To compare the effectiveness, safety, and maternal satisfaction of Epidural Labour Analgesia (ELA) versus Programmed Labour Analgesia (PLA) in controlling labour pain among parturients. Methods & Materials: This comparative observational study included 70 term parturients divided into two groups: ELA (n=35) and PLA (n=35). Pain scores were measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline, 30 min, 1 hour, and full dilation. Secondary outcomes included duration of labour, mode of delivery, maternal side effects, neonatal APGAR scores, and overall maternal satisfaction. Results: Both methods significantly reduced labour pain (p < 0.001). ELA achieved superior pain relief at all assessed intervals, with mean VAS at full dilation of 2.4 ± 1.1 compared to PLA’s 4.8 ± 1.5. The duration of the first and second stages of labour was slightly longer in the ELA group, though not statistically significant. Instrumental delivery was more frequent in ELA (14.3%) than PLA (5.7%). Maternal side effects such as hypotension and pruritus were higher in ELA. Neonatal outcomes were comparable. Maternal satisfaction was significantly higher in ELA (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Epidural labour analgesia provides superior pain control and greater maternal satisfaction, although it is associated with a slightly longer labour duration and higher rate of instrumental delivery. Programmed labour analgesia remains a safe, effective, and resource-friendly alternative in settings where epidural services are limited.