Early Labour Epidural for Parturients With High BMI —A National Danish Survey
Authors' conclusion
In Denmark, management of 'early labour epidural' for parturients with high BMI varies considerably regarding definitions, antenatal assessment, and intrapartum practise.
Study context
- Population
- Heads of obstetric anaesthesiology at all 22 Danish hospitals with labour units; 'early labour epidural' for parturients with high BMIhospitals with labour units
- Participants
- 22 participants
- Outcome
- Current Danish practise regarding 'early labour epidural' for parturients with high BMI
Methodological detailsnational survey, 100% response rate, registry data (Danish national Birth Register)
- National survey
- 100% response rate
- Registry data (Danish national Birth Register)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Departmental practise for 'early labour epidural' in high BMI · November 2024
- Local guidelines existed
- 64%
- Routine antenatal anaesthetic assessment
- 86%
- Written patient information provided
- 17%
- No formal definition of 'early labour epidural'
- 32%
- Written departmental guideline present
- 68%
- Ultrasound for epidural placement used routinely
- 10%
- Ultrasound for epidural placement used selectively
- 60%
- Antenatal lumbar ultrasound performed
- 32%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Proportion of parturients with BMI > 40 kg/m² (Danish national Birth Register) · 2014 to 2024
- Increased from 1.4% to 1.9%
- P < 0.0001
- Binomial logistic regression of aggregated yearly counts
Epidural use among parturients with BMI > 40 · 2014 to 2024
- Rose from 42% to 58%
- P < 0.0001
- Binomial logistic regression of aggregated yearly counts
Original publication
Early Labour Epidural for Parturients With High BMI —A National Danish Survey. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. Published 2 July 2026. doi:10.
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