Comparing Programmed Intermittent Bolus and Continuous Epidural Infusion for Pain Relief During Labor in First-Time Mothers

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare two methods of epidural analgesia for pain relief during labor in women who are giving birth for the first time. The study focuses on the impact of programmed intermittent bolus epidural analgesia PIBEA combined with patient-controlled epidural analgesia PCEA versus continuous epidural infusion CEI combined with PCEA on reducing breakthrough pain. The trial also looks at labor outcomes such as the duration of labor stages, delivery methods, and womens satisfaction. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups during labor. The study group receives a programmed intermittent bolus of 10 ml of 0.1% Bupivacaine and 2 microgramsml Fentanyl every hour until delivery and repair of any lacerations. The control group receives a continuous infusion of the same dose of medication at 10 ml per hour until delivery and suturing. Both groups can self-administer additional doses under specific limits if breakthrough pain occurs. During the study, participants will be monitored closely with pain assessments, medication use tracking, labor progress evaluation, and safety checks. Researchers will measure breakthrough pain, labor duration, delivery method, maternal satisfaction, and newborn health indicators over 48 to 96 hours following delivery. The study includes follow-up for blood tests, side effects, and any complications related to epidural analgesia.

PIEB Compared With CEI on Breakthrough Pain in Nulliparous Women