Hypertens Pregnancy. 2026 Dec 31;45(1):2583822. doi: 10.1080/10641955.2025.2583822. Epub 2026 Mar 10.
ABSTRACT
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.
PMID:41805220 | DOI:10.1080/10641955.2025.2583822