Objective: To evaluate the effect of second-stage epidural bupivacaine on the outcome of labor.
Methods: Two groups of 35 patients each were randomly allocated to receive continuous epidural bupivacaine throughout labor (group 1) or until an 8-cm dilatation of the cervix (group 2).
Results: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the rates of instrument deliveries and in their Apgar scores.
Conclusions: The administration of continuous epidural bupivacaine (0.25%) throughout labor and delivery does not seem to affect the outcome of labor.