Abstract
Thirty-three full-term nulliparae and their babies were studied. Twenty-one received lumbar epidural analgesia with bupivacaine (Marcain-adrenalinr`) and twelve conventional obstetrical analgesia with meperidine (Petidinr`), chlorpromazine (Hibernalr`), nitrous oxide and a pudendal nerve block with prilocaine (Citanestr`). Glucose, lactate, potassium, sodium, chloride, total protein, haemoglobin and haematocrit were determined in fetal and maternal blood during labour and in neonatal blood after birth. This study revealed a high level of plasma sodium in scalp blood of both ‘epidural’ and ‘control’ series probably related to water loss during labour. Furthermore, administration of epidural analgesia to women in labour resulted in lower lactate concentrations in these women and their babies compared with those receiving conventional obstetric analgesia.