Relief of low back labor pain by using intracutaneous injections of sterile water: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: To study the effectiveness of intracutaneous injections of sterile water in relieving low back pain during labor in Thai women.

Study design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taksin Hospital, Bangkok.

Material and method: Fifty pregnant women at term, requiring pain relief for severe low back pain during the first stage of labor. The women were randomized to receive either 4 intracutaneous injections of 0.1 mL sterile water (n = 25) or isotonic saline as placebo (n = 25).

Main outcome measures: Pain scores measured by visual analogue scale.

Results: Mean pain scores were significantly lower among the treatment group compared to the placebo group at 30 minutes, 1 and 2 hours after injections (p = 0.018, 0.046, and 0.027 respectively). Mean pain reduction were significantly greater in the treatment group compared to the placebo group at 30 minutes, 1 and 2 hours after injections (p < 0.001). There was no difference between the two groups with regard to time to delivery and rate of instrumental and cesarean delivery.

Conclusion: The intracutaneous injections of sterile water was found to be an effective treatment against lower back pain during the first stage of labor.