The role of continuous analgesia during labor in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders: a comparative study on pain relief, anxiety, depression, and maternal-infant outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the effects of continuous analgesia versus standard pain management on pain intensity, psychological status (anxiety and depression), and maternal-infant outcomes in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 124 pregnant women with hypertensive disorders admitted between December 2021 and December 2023. Participants were categorized into two groups based on the labor analgesia received: a non-continuous analgesia group (n = 51) and a continuous analgesia group (n = 73). Outcome measures included pain scores at different stages of dilation (4 cm and 8 cm) and anxiety/depression levels assessed pre-delivery, post-delivery, and 24 hours postpartum.

RESULTS

The continuous analgesia group demonstrated significantly lower pain scores at both 4 cm dilation (t = 8.888, P < 0.001) and 8 cm dilation (t = 9.604, P < 0.001) compared to the non-continuous group. Regarding psychological outcomes, the continuous analgesia group showed significantly lower anxiety levels pre-delivery (t = 2.606, P = 0.011), post-delivery (t = 2.343, P = 0.022), and 24 hours postpartum (t = 5.084, P < 0.001). Similarly, depression scores were significantly lower in the continuous analgesia group at all three time points: pre-delivery (t = 2.019, P = 0.046), post-delivery (t = 2.66, P = 0.009), and 24 hours postpartum (t = 4.103, P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed significant negative associations between continuous analgesia and maternal pain, anxiety, and depression (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Continuous analgesia during labor is associated with superior pain relief and a significant reduction in anxiety and depression levels for pregnant women with hypertensive disorders compared to standard pain management. These findings suggest that continuous analgesia may be a beneficial intervention for improving the maternal psychological experience in this high-risk population.