Adequacy of information and acceptability of pain relief as assessed by a postpartum questionnaire

An audit cycle has been completed looking at the availability of information about different types of anaesthesia in labour, their usage and the degree of maternal satisfaction. The initial audit 7 years ago led to the production of an information leaflet on pain relief in labour. The current audit (1996) demonstrated that the majority of patients receive the leaflet and find the information useful. The leaflet may have helped improve satisfaction and selection of analgesia in primigravide. However, the leaflet needs updating to include some information on caesarean section now that this has become such a common form of delivery.