Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Labour Pain Relief: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To assess the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief during labour and its effects on maternal satisfaction, labour outcomes, and neonatal well-being.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in tertiary care teaching hospital in India. Eligible women were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either TENS (n = 90) or routine intrapartum care without analgesia (n = 90). TENS was initiated at 4 cm cervical dilatation, with electrodes placed over the T10–L1 and S2–S4 dermatomes. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline, during labour and after delivery were noted. Maternal satisfaction was assessed post-delivery using a five-point Likert scale. Labour progress, mode of delivery, neonatal Apgar scores, and neonatal intensive care unit admission were recorded.

Women in the TENS group demonstrated significantly lower pain scores as compared to controls (mean VAS Score - 4.92 + 2.26 Vs 9.96 + 0.21) (p 0.001). Mean Pain relief index was higher in cases (7.59 + 3.38 Vs 1.01 + 0.11), (p 0.001). Patient satisfaction ( Likert score) was 3.39 + 1.12 Vs 1+ 0.0 in cases and controls (p 0.001). No adverse maternal or neonatal effects related to TENS were observed.

TENS provides effective pain relief during labour and is associated with improved maternal satisfaction without adverse effects on labour progress or neonatal outcomes.