[Influence of lumbar peridural anaesthesia on fetal heart rate patterns in the second stage of labour (author's transl)].

The influence of lumbar peridural anaesthesia (PA) on fetal heart rate patterns in the second stage of labour was studied in 218 vaginal deliveries without maternal and fetal risk. A CTG-Score as proposed by Hammacher was used to evaluate fetal heart rate patterns. No influence of PA on fetal heart rate in the second stage of labour was found with primiparae, whereas multiparae showed more normal patterns under PA than without PA. All patients were strictly kept in lateral position throughout the first and second stage of labour. The pushing-period in lateral position was limited to 30 minutes (pushing 3-times per 10 minutes).