Neonatal Outcomes and Maternal Influences Associated With Different Labor Analgesia Techniques: A Literature Review of Safety and Long-term Effects
Neonatal Outcomes and Maternal Influences Associated With Different Labor Analgesia Techniques: A Literature Review of Safety and Long-term Effects
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.159572521013
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Palavras-chave: Analgesia no Trabalho de Parto; Anestesia Peridural; Desfechos Neonatais; Satisfação Materna; Manejo da Dor.
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Keywords: Labor Analgesia; Epidural Anesthesia; Neonatal Outcomes; Maternal Satisfaction; Pain Management.
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Abstract: Objective: This literature review aims to analyze the effects of different labor analgesia techniques on maternal and neonatal outcomes. The review explores both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods, assessing their efficacy, safety, and implications for clinical practice. Methods: A comprehensive review of 15 selected studies was conducted, focusing on randomized controlled trials and observational studies that evaluated the impact of labor analgesia techniques on maternal pain relief, labor progression, neonatal Apgar scores, and short-term and long-term neonatal health. Inclusion criteria included term pregnancies without significant comorbidities, and studies were analyzed for key outcome measures such as labor duration, maternal satisfaction, and neonatal respiratory complications. Results: Epidural analgesia emerged as the most effective pharmacological method, providing superior pain relief and higher maternal satisfaction compared to systemic opioids and non-pharmacological approaches. However, epidural use was associated with prolonged second-stage labor, increased oxytocin augmentation, and higher rates of maternal fever, although it did not significantly increase the rate of cesarean deliveries. Non-pharmacological methods, such as hydrotherapy and breathing techniques, were found to be beneficial in reducing maternal anxiety and shortening labor duration but were less effective in managing severe pain. Neonatal outcomes were generally favorable with epidural analgesia, showing no significant differences in 5-minute Apgar scores, although systemic opioids were linked to higher rates of neonatal respiratory depression and NICU admissions. Conclusion: Labor analgesia techniques play a crucial role in optimizing maternal and neonatal outcomes. Epidural and combined spinal-epidural techniques remain the preferred options for effective pain relief, with minimal adverse effects when appropriately managed. Future research should focus on long-term neonatal outcomes and improving access to analgesia in low-resource settings. Healthcare providers should adopt individualized pain management approaches to align with patient preferences and clinical conditions.
- Amanda Terres Fausto
- João Pedro Oliveira Damasceno
- Mateus Oliveira Damasceno
- Camila Souza Milano
- Gabriella Mulbauer Silva
- Raquel Laba Silva
- Grazziela Benez Froeschlin Kwitschal
- Beatriz de Melo Henrique
- Steffani Welter dos Santos
- Isabele Brandalize Wengerkiewicz
- Isabela Marchand Rocha Guimarães
- Heloisa Muller Ulrich