Effect of Epidural Analgesia on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score for Labour Pain Management: A Prospective Comparative Study
The objective of this prospective comparative study was to evaluate the effect of epidural analgesia on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for labour pain management. Methods: A total of 60 women in the early active stage of labour were included in the study and divided into two groups: Group 1 (Epidural group, n = 30) and Group 2 (Non-epidural group, n = 30). Demographic characteristics were comparable between the groups. VAS scores were recorded at various time points: before analgesia, 15 minutes after analgesia, and during the second stage of labour. The data was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Before administration of epidural analgesia, there was no significant difference in VAS scores between the groups (p = 0.753). However, after the administration of epidural analgesia, significant differences were observed in VAS scores at 15 minutes after analgesia (p<0.0001) and during the second stage of labour (p<0.0001). The mean VAS scores at these time points were significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Conclusion: Epidural analgesia was found to be effective in reducing labour pain, as indicated by lower VAS scores, compared to standard pain relief protocols. The use of epidural analgesia resulted in a significant decrease in pain intensity and improved pain management during labour.