The Influence of Oxytocin on Intrapartum Fetal Well-being and Delivery Outcomes in Patients Receiving Epidural Analgesia

"The use of oxytocin will be continued after the administration of ELA. The vital signs (blood pressure, saturation, heart rate) and the Doppler velocities in the uterine arteries, umbilical artery and the fetal middle cerebral artery will be measured directly before the administration of ELA and then after 30, 60 and 120 minutes. After 2 hours the patients will be examined to assess the progress of labor.~Additionally, the velocities in the uterine arteries will be measured during the first day after the delivery."

The oxytocin pump will be changed to 0.9% sodium chloride solution pump after the administration of ELA. The vital signs (blood pressure, saturation, heart rate) and the Doppler velocities in the uterine arteries, umbilical artery and the fetal middle cerebral artery will be measured directly before the administration of ELA and then after 30, 60 and 120 minutes. After 2 hours the patients will be examined to assess the progress of labor. If no progress is detected due to the secondary weakening of uterus contractile function, the oxytocin will be reintroduced. Additionally, the velocities in the uterine arteries will be measured during the first day after the delivery.