This is a prospective observational study conducted at the University Hospital of Padua. The goal is to identify ultrasound markers that can help predict whether placing an epidural catheter during labor will be difficult. Pregnant women who request epidural analgesia will undergo a quick ultrasound scan of their lower back before the procedure. The study will collect information such as age, weight, height, and spinal anatomy, as well as ultrasound measurements. This information will be compared with how easy or difficult it was to place the epidural. The study does not involve any experimental treatment and uses standard care procedures already in place. There are no additional risks or costs for participants.

This is a single-center, prospective observational study aimed at evaluating whether specific ultrasound measurements of spinal structures in pregnant women can predict technical difficulty in placing an epidural catheter during labor analgesia. All procedures performed are part of standard care and are routinely offered in the labor and delivery unit. Patients who consent to participate will undergo a lumbar ultrasound prior to epidural catheter placement. Data will be collected regarding anatomical and clinical characteristics, ultrasound findings, and procedural details. The study will run for two years or until the estimated sample size of 563 patients is reached. The results are intended to identify non-invasive predictors of challenging epidural placement, potentially improving patient safety and resource allocation.

-Inclusion Criteria: Pregnant women aged ≥18 years Candidates for epidural catheter placement for labor analgesia Provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• None

The study population consists of adult pregnant women (≥18 years old) admitted to the Labor and Delivery Unit at the University Hospital of Padua who are candidates for epidural catheter placement for labor analgesia. All participants must provide written informed consent. No specific exclusion criteria apply.