Midwife Management of Epidural Analgesia In 2nd Stage Labour - A Survey

Background: Research evidence suggests that reducing or ceasing analgesia, provided by a working epidural, during the 2nd stage of labour may not only increase maternal pain[1] and distress but also increase the risk of caesarean section and instrumental delivery.[2] Anecdotal reports at our institution suggested women with effective epidural labour analgesia were frequently experiencing severe pain and distress during 2nd stage labour. We aimed to investigate midwifery beliefs and practice regarding epidural analgesia during 2 nd stage labour.