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Poster Session 3

(679) The Influence of Epidural Analgesia on Neonatal Outcomes After Balloon Induction of Labor at Term

Friday, January 31, 2025
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM  
Objective: Epidural analgesia is commonly used for labor and delivery and is generally considered safe. However, it can affect the fetus either directly, through the placental transfer of local anesthetics or opioids, or indirectly, via maternal hypotension. Previous studies have largely focused on comparisons between epidural analgesia and systemic opioids regarding neonatal status. Balloon induction of labor has also become popular due to its minimal side effects. However, only a few studies have specifically addressed the influence of epidural analgesia in the context of balloon induction of labor. This study aims to investigate the association between the use of epidural analgesia following balloon induction of labor and the risk of neonatal adverse outcomes.

Study Design: A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted, including all term (>37 weeks of gestation) singleton pregnancies that underwent balloon induction of labor at a tertiary medical center between

February 2020 and January 2022. Neonatal adverse outcomes were compared based on the use of epidural analgesia during delivery.

Results:

The study population included 3,424 deliveries, of which 2,400 (70.1%) used epidural anesthesia and 1,024 (29.9%) delivered without epidural. Neonatal adverse outcomes for both groups are shown in the table. Rates of neonatal adverse outcomes, including low Apgar scores, low cord pH, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, mortality, and a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, were comparable between the groups. No significant differences were observed in these outcomes between the groups.


Conclusion:

The use of epidural analgesia during delivery following balloon induction of labor at term is not associated with an increased risk of short-term neonatal adverse outcomes.