Epidural anaesthesia Pregnancy and Childbirth
Conditions
Interventions
This study will only involve women who have requested to have an epidural as part of their birth plan. All of the epidural procedures will be carried out on the labour ward of Poole Maternity Unit by
Sponsors
Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (UK)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Female
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. ASA I or II (healthy) women aged 18-40 inclusive 2. Women having first child or any subsequent children (primi and multiparous) 3. Women in early active labour or prior to induction of labour who have requested epidural analgesia or been advised by the medical team to have an epidural 4. Singleton pregnancies (i.e. not twins etc)
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Any of the usual contraindications to epidural anaesthesia 2. Known spinal abnormalities 3. Previous back surgery 4. History of connective tissue disorder 5. Difficult epidural insertion requiring more than 3 attempts 6. Women who already have an epidural in-situ and need a re-site for inadequate block 7. Women with inadequate comprehension of the English language and poor communication skills
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The primary aim is to measure the pressures required to reach the epidural space when inserting an epidural needle into pregnant women of varying body mass indices. Graphical displays of the pressures will then be produced. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Correlation will then be made with ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of their lower spine. The aim will be to create a computer graphics and physical epidural injection simulator. This simulator will be used by anaesthetists to practice the epidural technique in a controlled environment. | — |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed