Abstract: AIM: To investigate the effects of combined spinal and epidural anesthesia (CSEA) on relieving and eliminating labor pain and the effects on newborns, labor process and delivery mode. METHODS: 305 cases without any obstetric and anesthetic contraindications were selected for the study group, and CSEA was applied when cervix dilated for about 3 -4 cm.305 pregnant women with similar obstetric condition as control group without any anesthesia.The labor pain, duration delivery mode and fetal status compared in the two groups. RESULTS: CSEA group showed good effect on relieving labor pain, shortening the active phase of labor course, and accelerating cervical dilation.There are no different in the incidence of fetal distress, neonatal asphyxia and postpartum hemorrhage between two groups. CONCLUSION: The CSEA is useful in relieving labor pain and accelerating labor course without any side effect on fetus.

Key words: pharmacodynamics, combined spinal and epidural anesthesia, labor, analgesia, duration of labor, mode of delivery