The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the severity of labor pain among nulliparous women: A clinical trial

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on labor pain among nulliparous women referred to a hospital in an urban area of Iran. Materials and methods: Samples were consisted of 90 nulliparous women. They were randomly assigned into three groups with equal number in each groups: experiment group, placebo group and control. Pain was measured using the visual pain severity scale. Findings: The mean of the severity of labor pain indicated a statistically significant difference after the intervention. The severity of pain indicated a statistically significant difference in the second stage of labor, and 4 h after the labor in the groups. The duration of the first stage of labor was significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: The application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation affected pain relief in the first and second stages of labor and 4 h after labor. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.