The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the severity of labor pain among nulliparous women: A clinical trial

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017 Aug;28:176-180. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.05.004. Epub 2017 May 18.

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on labor pain among nulliparous women referred to a hospital in an urban area of Iran.

Materials and methods: Samples were consisted of 90 nulliparous women. They were randomly assigned into three groups with equal number in each groups: experiment group, placebo group and control. Pain was measured using the visual pain severity scale.

Findings: The mean of the severity of labor pain indicated a statistically significant difference after the intervention. The severity of pain indicated a statistically significant difference in the second stage of labor, and 4 h after the labor in the groups. The duration of the first stage of labor was significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion: The application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation affected pain relief in the first and second stages of labor and 4 h after labor.

Keywords: Labor; Nulliparous; Pain; TENS.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • Labor Pain / therapy*
  • Labor, Obstetric*
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Parity
  • Pregnancy
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation*
  • Young Adult