Open AccessPain Relief in Labor by Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Author(s) -
Bundsen Peter,
Ericson Klas,
Peterson LarsErik,
Thiringer Klara
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016348209156543
Subject(s) - medicine , anesthesia , apgar score , pethidine , umbilical artery , stimulation , transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation , surgery , fetus , pregnancy , analgesic , alternative medicine , pathology , biology , genetics
. In this prospective randomized study of pain relief in labor, the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TNS) performed over both the low‐back and suprapubic region was evaluated and compared with a control group not receiving TNS. Both high frequency and pulse train TNS were used. The study included 24 induced labors. In the TNS group, conventional methods were added when needed, while in the control group only conventional methods were used. Assessment of low‐back and suprapubic pain was performed by the parturient each hour during the first stage. In the TNS group most of the parturients reported minimal or moderate low‐back pain throughout labor, while parturients in the control group reported an increased intensity of low‐back pain as labor progressed. The effect on suprapubic pain was insignificant in both groups. Neither TNS nor nitrous oxide‐oxygen mixture and pethidine could reduce this pain component. Course of labor, uterine activity and fetal heart patterns were similar in the two groups. The neonates were evaluated with Apgar score, assays of blood samples from the umbilical vein including blood lactate, plasma hypoxanthine and blood gas, and neurobehavioral assessment on two occasions. All newborn infants were in good condition and no significant differences between the two groups could be demonstrated.