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

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.