An epidural infusion technique for labour

A regimen to facilitate control of epidural infusions in labour has been developed which allows midwives to alter infusion rates to maintain satisfactory analgesia. The technique was used successfully in 30 patients and, in a prospective study, was compared with women who received conventional top-up epidurals. It was found that infusions provided comparable analgesia and decreased midwife workload but resulted in a higher dosage of bupivacaine.