I’m not sure if this question is “settled”. When I performed a considerable amount OB anesthesia, my department standard supported Epidural anesthesia for labor (In this case). Although, if the patient was nearing 8cm dilation, a SAB (1ml 0.25% bupivacaine and 20 mcg fentanyl) would usually get the patient to delivery. Today we have an option to place bilateral erector spinae catheters, which should provide adequate comfort during the early stages of labor. Although I do not participate in OB anesthesia on a regular basis.