A randomized controled trial was performed with 60 parturients to evaluate the pain relief during labour with two kinds of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. The study participants were randomly distributed among three groups based on type of electrode: Silver Spike Point, tablet, or false electrodes (control). The external appearance of the electrode was the same. It was a double blind study, with researchers, health care personnel and participants unaware of group placement. A greater proportion of women in real stimulation groups than in the control group referred to having pain relief and received less analgesic or tranquilizer drugs. There were no differences among studied groups concerning the use of peridural analgesia or discomfort caused by stimulation. We conclude that this transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation technique can relieve pain during labour, which means more effective care and comfort for the woman during this experience.
Transcutaneous eletric nerve stimulation; Nursing; Care; Analgesia obstetrical; Randomized controled trial
