Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus For Laboring Obstetrical Women

Effect of Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus Delivery Rate on the Quality of Labour Analgesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Comparison of three programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) pump settings for maintenance of labour analgesia.

The optimal PIEB and patient controlled epidural administered (PCEA) bolus settings are still unknown. Therefore, in this study, the investigators aim to compare analgesia outcomes both high and low PIEB flow rate settings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Singleton, vertex presentations at term (37-42 weeks gestational age)
• </= 5cm cervical dilation at the time of epidural anesthesia request
• ASA 2-3 patients aged 19 or over who are able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindications to neuraxial analgesia or risk factors likely to affect placement or function of the epidural
• History of hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reaction to local anesthetics or opioids
• Current or historical evidence of any significant medical conditions
• Clinical settings in which continuous epidural infusion may be preferable
• Risk factors significantly increasing the need for Cesarean delivery
• Anticipated fetal abnormalities