Abstract
To evaluate the use of analgesia during labor in women who had a vaginal birth and to determine the factors associated with its use.
test.
Among the 221 345 women who had a vaginal birth, only 4% received labor analgesia, mainly epidural. The prevalence of women receiving analgesia was significantly higher in countries with a higher HDI than in countries with a lower HDI. Education was significantly associated with increased use of analgesia; nulliparous women and women undergoing previous cesarean delivery had a significantly increased likelihood of receiving analgesia.
Use of analgesia for women undergoing labor and vaginal delivery was low, specifically in low-HDI countries. Whether low use of analgesia reflects women's desire or an unmet need for pain relief requires further studies.