Managing labour pain safely

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of sterile water injections to relieve lower back pain during labour. This paper discusses the findings from a study of women at two Victorian hospitals (Australia) who used sterile water injections as a method of pain relief during labour.

Procedure: The study involved assessment of pain during labour with midwives recording pain scores pre and post administration of the sterile water injection. Of the 60 women in the study cohort, 52 women returned a questionnaire giving a response rate of 87%.

Finding: The significant finding from the women’s responses was that the majority found the administration of sterile water to be a satisfactory method of pain relief. All the participants noted that they would choose this method of pain relief because it would not harm their baby.

Conclusion: The women’s comments supported previous findings that intra-dermal sterile water injections are a safe, effective pain-relieving measure during labour and should be routinely offered as a further option to manage lower back pain.