Effects of epidural analgesia on gastric emptying in parturients monitored by ultrasound

Abstract

Background: Using B-ultrasound monitoring, we compared gastric emptying of semi-solid food between parturient women undergoing versus not undergoing epidural analgesia. Methods Eighty-six full-term, low-risk parturients were selected and divided into two groups according to epidural analgesia status: epidural analgesia group (LA, n = 66) and non-epidural analgesia group (NA, n = 20). The cross-sectional area of the gastric antrum (CSA0) was measured while fasting using B-ultrasound, and the time recorded as T0. The parturients in both groups then ate about 300 g millet congee (about 600 KJ). The CSAs of the gastric antra were measured by ultrasonography 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the experimental meal, these areas being recorded as CSA1, CSA2 and CSA3 and the corresponding time points as T1, T2, and T3. Pain scores of parturients at these four time points were recorded. Results CSA1, CSA2, and CSA3 were larger in the NA than in the LA group, and the gastric emptying time was longer in the NA than in the LA group (P < 0.05). Pain scores were higher in the NA than LA group at the three time points of T1, T2, T3 (P < 0.05). Conclusions Gastric emptying was faster in parturient women who undergo epidural analgesia than those who not. Pregnant women can safely eat small amounts of semi-solid food to meet their energy needs during delivery.