Vol 92, No 7 (2021)
Research paper
Published online: 2021-04-08

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Comparison of the effects of TENS stimulation and water immersion on relieving labour pain suffered byprimiparas

Ewa Grymel-Kulesza1, Katarzyna M. Pawlowska2, Jakub Pawlowski2, Agnieszka Grochulska2, Marcelina Belkius3, Izabela Jerzak4
Pubmed: 33844262
Ginekol Pol 2021;92(7):512-517.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare pain suffered by primiparas when delivering a child in a traditional way with deliveries where either TENS stimulation or water immersion was used.
Material and methods: Primiparas were divided into 3 groups. In group 1 there were 45 women for whom TENS stimulation was applied during delivery. Group 2 consisted of 38 women who remained in the water during the actual birth of the baby. Group 3 served as the control group and was composed of 32 women. The intensity of pain during delivery was assessed by means of a numerical scale. During the first delivery period, pain was assessed three times at cervical dilation of 2, 3 and 4 fingers.
Results: The analysis of pain suffered by primiparas at 2-finger widening showed no statistically significant differences between the groups. However, the analysis of pain experienced at 3-finger opening showed significant differences between the group of women using TENS stimulation in comparison with the control group. When comparing pain at 4-finger opening, statistically significant differences were found between the group of women who delivered in water in comparison to both the control group and the group using TENS stimulation.
Conclusions: TENS stimulation and water immersion are good methods to relieve labour pain; particularly helpful in the first period of labour. They are also safe, alternative, non-pharmacological methods of reducing labour pain.

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