To compare the efficacy and safety of two different doses of dexmedetomidine 0.2 mcg per ml and 0.5 mcg per ml as adjuvant to ropivacaine 0.2 percent for epidural labor analgesia. A prospective randomized control trial

Child birth is natural, memorable yet most painful experience of the women. Throughout

pregnancy, painless Braxton Hicks contractions with simultaneous hardening of uterus occur. As

the labor progresses, these contractions change its character, become more powerful,

intermittent and are associated with pain. Pain more often felt in front of the abdomen or

radiating toward thigh.

• Ropivacaine, an amide local anesthetic which is selective for sensory fibers and preserving motor

thus produce true walking epidural, can be used successfully.

• Local anesthetic solutions in very low doses with alpha-2 agonist as an adjuvant can be used

safely to prolong effect of local anesthetic in labor analgesia.

Pain relief is fundamental right parturient. pain relief in labor has always been surrounded

with myth and misbelief.

• Amongst all, epidural analgesia remained the gold standard.

• As newer local anesthetic drug like ropivacaine will provide pain relief in labor without

affecting motor fibers thus provide true walking epidural.