Effects of Using Epidural Anesthesia during Childbirth on the Pelvic Floor

Abstract

Introduction: There are numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods dedicated to reducing the pain experienced during childbirth, and to controlling and reducing, the physical and emotional consequences derived from it.
Objective: To analyze the possible consequences derived from the use of epidural anesthesia during childbirth and in the pelvic floor.
Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out to review the scientific literature on the subject in the PubMed, Medline and Cinhal databases, in March 2020.
Analysis and synthesis of the information: The inclusion criteria were articles in Spanish and English, and the exclusion criteria those works that did not fit the objective or the type of study. After applying the eligibility criteria, 13 articles were chosen to review. All analyzed variables related to the pelvic floor, such as urinary incontinence, prolapse, or chronic pelvic pain, after the application of
epidural analgesia during childbirth.
Conclusions: Epidural analgesia is an effective method to reduce pain during labor, however, it is not possible to show that it has consequences on the pelvic floor or childbirth compared to women who give birth without analgesia.