The association between epidural labor analgesia and the fetal outcome and mode of delivery of the second twin: a nationwide register-based cohort study in Finland.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the association between epidural labor analgesia and the mode of delivery for the second twin and to analyze the health outcomes of the second twin.

METHODS

In this nationwide, retrospective, register-based cohort study, data from the National Medical Birth Register (MBR) of Finland (2004-2018) were used to analyze the association between epidural analgesia and delivery mode (emergency and urgent cesarean section, and assisted vaginal delivery) and fetal outcomes (neonatal mortality and need for intensive care unit admission) for the second twin. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the delivery mode and fetal outcomes of the second twin.

RESULTS

A total of 3242 twin pregnancies with epidural analgesia were compared with a control group consisting of 2780 twin pregnancies without epidural analgesia. Epidural analgesia was associated with lower odds for all cesarean delivery (aOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.92) for the second twin and for emergency cesarean delivery (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.79) when compared with the odds for the second twin in the control group. Epidural analgesia was associated with lower odds of neonatal mortality for the second twin (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.90).

CONCLUSION

This study found epidural labor analgesia was associated with a lower rate of emergency cesarean delivery and neonatal mortality for the second twin. These results should be acknowledged by obstetricians and anesthesiologists when planning optimal peripartum management for mothers with twin pregnancies.