Remifentanil is a ultra short-acting synthetic opioid. It is rapidly metabolized by non-specific blood and tissue esterases. We wanted to investigate the efficacy and safety of remifentanil used as analgesia during labour. Intravenous patient controlled analgesia (ivpca) were used to administer remifentanil. Doses used were 0,15-1,05 mikrogr/kg, with a lock-out time of 2 minutes. 41 women were included in the study. Blood-pressure, heartrate, SaO2, respiration rate and sedation were recorded every 15.minute. Fetal heart rate was recorded for the whole periode of treatment (CTG, STAN). Vaginal contraction pain were assessed by the parturients every 15.minute using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Midwives also recorded their impression of the parturients pain. The parturients level of sedation were recorded by anesthesiologist and midwife every 15.minute. Apgar scores were registered at 1, 5 and 10 min after delivery. Umbilical cord blood analysis regarding blood gases and concentration of remifentanil were performed. After delivery, both mother and midwife evaluated efficacy and safety; Global satisfaction score, if the remifentanil doses were sufficient, nausea, vomiting, level of sedation and dizziness.

Primary and secondary outcome measures presented under "results"

Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy women (ASA I-II), in active labour, one fetus with no suspected pathology, expecting normal childbirth, informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Failure to obtain informed consent, received opioids within last 8 hours before study start, serious side-effects mother and abnormal fetal heart rate.

From start of remifentanil analgesia until delivery

Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation