Pain relief during delivery by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

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Abstract
The degree of pain alleviation achieved by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TNS) during delivery was evaluated. The usual technique of TNS was modified to suit the requirements of pain relief during delivery. Two pairs of electrodes were taped on the parturient''s back at levels Th10-L1 and S2-S4. These segments correspond to the pathway of pain afferents into the spinal cord during the 1st and 2nd stages, respectively. Stimulation was delivered by a 2-channel generator producing biphasic pulses which were variable in frequency and amplitude. A low-intensity stimulation was given continuously, and a high-intensity stimulation could be initiated by the parturient herself whenever pain increased. Stimulation was provided via the thoracic electrodes throughout the delivery; sacral stimulation was added from the later part of the 1st stage. No complication with respect to mother or child occurred. Of the 147 women treated, 65 (44%) considered the pain relief by TNS to be good to very good, 65 (44%) experienced moderate effect, while 17 (12%) women considered that TNS was without effect. In view of the relatively good results and since no complications occurred, the method was recommended as a primary pain relieving measure to which conventional methods can be added according to need.