Retrospective study to assess the effect of epidural analgesia on labor progress and women's pelvic floor muscle from the perspective of electromyography

Objective Epidural analgesia has been widely used as a form of pain relief during labor and its safety has been gradually recognized. However, few studies of the effect of epidural analgesia on the pelvic floor are known. Thus, we aim to analyze the effect of epidural analgesia on labor progress and women's pelvic floor muscle from the perspective of electromyography systematically. In addition, obstetric risk factors for dysfunction of pelvic floor muscle after vaginal delivery were also evaluated. Methods Childbirth data of 124 primiparas who gave first birth vaginally in our hospital and their pelvic floor function assessment results at postpartum 7 weeks were retrospectively collected. Pelvic floor muscle electromyogram screenings were performed by a biofeedback electro-stimulant therapy instrument. Results There was no significant difference in the percentage of episiotomy, forceps, artificial rupturing membrane, and the application of oxytocin, except perineal laceration. Woman who implemented epidural analgesia experienced a longer stage of labor. Statistically, there was no significant difference in the total score and pelvic floor muscle strength. The risk factors for the value of the pre-rest phase include the age of pregnant women, the fetal weight, and the length of the second stage while the value of the post-rest phase was only associated with the fetal weight and the length of the second stage. In addition, the value of type I muscles was associated with the gravida and fetal weight while the value of type II muscles was only associated with forceps. The sustained contraction was correlated with the gravida and the total scores had a significant correlation with forceps. Conclusion Epidural analgesia during labor is approved to be a safe and effective procedure to relieve pain with very low side effects on the mode of labor and pelvic floor muscle. The assessment of pelvic floor muscle before pregnancy is beneficial in guiding the better protection of pelvic floor muscle function. According to the evaluation results, the doctors can control the associated risk factors as much as possible to reduce the injury of pregnancy and parturition to the pelvic floor.

Automated summary

This study aimed to analyze the effect of epidural analgesia on labor progress and pelvic floor muscle from the perspective of electromyography, and evaluate obstetric risk factors for dysfunction of pelvic floor muscle after vaginal delivery. The results showed that women who received epidural analgesia experienced a longer stage of labor, but it had no significant impact on the total score and pelvic floor muscle strength. Risk factors for pre-rest phase included maternal age, fetal weight, and length of the second stage, while fetal weight and length of the second stage were associated with the post-rest phase. Assessment of pelvic floor muscle function can guide better protection and reduce injury during pregnancy and childbirth.