Study on Effects of Epidural and Spinal Labor Pain Relief on Childrens Brain Development at Age 2

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore how maternal neuraxial labor analgesia exposure during labor may affect the long-term neurodevelopment of children. The study focuses on primiparous women aged 18 to 35 with term single cephalic pregnancies who are preparing for vaginal delivery. Researchers are examining whether the use of neuraxial labor analgesia is associated with risks or benefits for neurodevelopmental delay in offspring at 24 months of age. Participants will be grouped based on whether they receive neuraxial labor analgesia, which includes epidural analgesia or combined spinal-epidural analgesia, administered according to routine practices at each study center. Mothers who do not accept neuraxial labor analgesia will receive analgesics prescribed by obstetricians as per routine care. The study collects data prospectively and follows the childrens neurodevelopment over time. During the study, participants will be monitored through regular prenatal examinations and followed up to assess the prevalence of neurodevelopmental delay in offspring at 6, 12, and 24 months of age. Maternal depressive symptoms will also be evaluated at several points after childbirth. Researchers will observe outcomes related to offspring neurodevelopment and maternal mental health while considering risks associated with analgesia use. The total study period extends until 2028, with primary outcome assessment at 24 months of age for the offspring.

Neuraxial Labor Analgesia and Offspring Neurodevelopment