Retrospective Evaluation of the Impact of Epidural on the Risk of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Retrospective Evaluation of the Impact of Epidural on the Risk of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major complication of childbirth. Epidurals are often implicated in the onset of postpartum hemorrhages. Given the paradoxical data in the literature, the investigators wished to retrospectively evaluate the impact of epidurals on the risk of PPH, instrumental delivery and the occurrence of PPH risk factors.

The investigators retrospectively analyzed 5753 records of patients who gave birth vaginally at Brugmann University Hospital between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. The primary objective was to assess whether epidurals pose a risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Secondly, the investigators assessed whether epidurals pose a greater risk of instrumentation of delivery and emergence of PPH risk factors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who gave birth vaginally at the Brugmann University Hospital Horta site between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who gave birth before 25 weeks.
• Patients who gave birth outside of hospital.
• Patients who had recourse to a medical termination of pregnancy (MTP).
• Patients who gave birth by cesarean section.