Prophylactic Intravenous Ephedrine to Minimize Fetal Bradycardia After Combined Spinal-epidural Labour Analgesia: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background The combined spinal-epidural (CSE) technique for relief of labour pain offers both rapid onset and superior first-stage analgesia. Nevertheless, the known increased risk for early profound fetal bradycardia (EPFB) following CSE continues to be a concern that often limits its use. The purpose of this study was to determine if giving prophylactic intravenous ephedrine at the time of CSE administration would reduce EPFB.