Spinal Fentanyl or Epidural Analgesia in the Early First Phase of Induced Labor

Spinal Fentanyl or Epidural Analgesia in the Early First Phase of Induced Labor

A total of 60 parturients undergoing induction of labour will be consented to participate in the study where they will be randomized to receive either spinal fentanyl (20 µg) or epidural analgesia (fentanyl 100µg and lidocaine 80 mg).

They will be monitored for the development of analgesia for a duration of 30 minutes.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Signs a consent form to participate voluntarily into the trial
2. Induced labor
3. singleton pregnancy
4. primiparous
5. BMI 20-40 at the time of delivery
6. No history of allergy for lidocaine or fentanyl
7. sufficient command of Finnish language to understand the consent form and interview
8. Cervical dilatation at maximum 4 cm at the time of intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any contraindication for spinal or epidural analgesia
2. Allergy for lidocaine or fentanyl
3. The patient has received any opioid medication within 90 minutes prior to intervention