Evaluation of the Impact of Ambulatory Epidural on Maternal Satisfaction During Delivery and Postpartum

Overview

Childbirth is a special event for women. Maternal satisfaction regarding childbirth is quite important, that is why this factor has to be taken into account. A bad experience related to childbirth could lead to serious psychological and organic consequences such as postpartum depression, mother-baby bond deterioration and chronic pelvic pain. Childbirth image changed over the years to the extent that an increasingly physiological process keeping analgesia and safety is more and more desired. In this perspective, this study aims to investigate an approach so-called ambulatory epidural. Indeed, only a few studies have been conducted and the ones published in 1990s did not involve the current recommended pharmacological protocols.

This is a multi-centre prospective observational analytical before/after-type study. Practice changes are planned in concerned departments, in particular regarding usual patient care. This observational study aims to quantify the impact of practice changes on patient experience using a Childbirth Assessment Questionnaire (QEVA). During the "before" period, patients will receive a conventional epidural while the others, during the "after" period, will receive an ambulatory epidural. The women involved into this study must fill the QEVA form 2 days after giving birth (at the maternity) then 4 weeks after giving birth in order to get a feedback related to postpartum feelings (phone call).

Conditions

Interventions