Use of analgesia during labour at The Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

This was a descriptive cross sectional study on the use of analgesia during labour at the Kenyatta National Hopital. The study was carried out after approval by the Ethical and Research Committee of the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH-ERC). 232 parturients were recruited into the study after admission to labour ward. They were all expected to deliver vaginally after initial evaluation at admission to the labour ward. Management during labour was conducted as per existing protocol and standards of the Kenyatta National Hospital. On discharge from labour ward, their records were reviewed and used to fill a questionnaire. The data obtained was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer package. 18.1% of the parturients received analgesia. The technique used was parenteral systemic analgesia, using the intramuscular route of administration. Pethidine was used in 3% while Tramadol was used in 15.1% of the cases. In all the cases obstetricians prescribed these analgesics. During second stage, only Perineal infiltration of 2% lignocaine was done for performing an episiotomy. In third stage and puerperium, only 2.9% of mothers who had vaginal delivery were given analgesics.