Did you know that experiencing a fever during labor is possible? Traditionally, it was believed that epidural analgesia—the pain relief method—was responsible for this rise in temperature among expectant mothers. However, recent research published in Anesthesiology offers a different perspective on maternal intrapartum fever (MIF).
Researchers from the University of Alabama studied 81 women undergoing induced labor, focusing on the occurrence of MIF. Out of these women, 78 received epidural analgesia, and their temperatures were monitored before and after the administration of the epidural. Interestingly, only about half of the participants showed an increase in temperature, suggesting that the epidural does not significantly affect maternal fever. The study also found that those who did experience a temperature rise tended to have a higher body mass index and longer labor durations.
Are you considering getting an epidural?
Would you recommend it to other moms?
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In summary, while fever during labor can occur, it’s not directly linked to the use of an epidural. Instead, factors like body mass index and labor duration seem to play a more significant role.
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