Does Having a Spouse Present During Epidural Analgesia Affect Stress Levels in the Parturient and Her Spouse?

The Effect of the Presence of a Spouse on the Parturient's and Her Spouse's Stress Level During Epidural Analgesia During Labor as Measured by Salivary Amylase

It is unclear the effect of a spouse's presence on the partureint's and the spouse's stress level during the performance of epidural analgesia during labor.

Couples will be randomized to two groups: one group where the spouse is present during the performance of epidural analgesia and the second where the spouse is not present.

Before and after epidural anlgesia, both the spouse and parturient will be have their blood pressure and pulse checked. In addition, both will have their salivary amylase measured.

Salivary amylase is an enzyme whic has been foud to correlate directly with stress levels. To check this enzyme, a sample of saliva is given.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy term parturients

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes
• Preterm labor
• Mouth pathologies