Open AccessPain Relief in Labor by Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Author(s) -
Bundsen Peter,
Ericson Klas
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 - 10.3109/00016348209156941
Subject(s) - medicine , transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation , electrical current , stimulation , heart rate , fetal heart rate , fetus , anesthesia , surgery , pregnancy , alternative medicine , electrical engineering , pathology , biology , blood pressure , engineering , genetics
. A current density standard for current shapes used in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TNS) must be established in order to avoid harmful effects. This is especially important when stimulating near vital structures such as the fetal heart. In the absence of an applicable standard, a preliminary safety norm is proposed, based on clinical experience during delivery and experimental measurements in the female bladder. Current densities due to TNS not exceeding 0.5 μA/mm 2 are safe for the fetal heart. A stimulator and electrodes fulfilling the safety criteria proposed in this study have been tested. A filter which suppresses the electrical disturbances occurring during TNS, thereby permitting recording of the fetal heart rate during birth, has also been tested. TNS was given over both the low‐back and suprapubic region. Results of clinical tests of the equipment during 15 supervised births are reported. No adverse effect in the mother or newborn infant were observed.