Evaluation of the effectiveness of transcutaneous nerve stimulation during labor in breech presentation: a case series

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of pain relief with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) dispositive during labor in breech vaginal delivery and also to describe its tolerance and satisfaction.

Design: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial was conducted.

Setting: Labor room of Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular-Materno Infantil (Spain).

Participants: Ten women who met the inclusion criteria of the clinical trial and also had a fetus breech presentation were randomly assigned to three groups.

Interventions: A portable TENS, Cefar Rehab 2pro®, unit was used to apply the experimental intervention, with different doses in the three groups in women during labor. The device intensity (amplitude) was individually adjusted to each participant’s maximum sensory level. The pain was evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS). COMFORTS scale was used to measure women’s satisfaction.

Results: A significant association of VAS was detected depending on the type of TENS over time. Active TENS2 was the only group that obtained an improvement with clinically significant results. In connection with women satisfaction, active TENS2 group was also the group that presented higher values.

Conclusions: We can recommend the use of TENS dispositive to relieve pain during labor, also in those women with breech presentation.