Epidural Management for Maternal Satisfaction

ST
Overseen ByStudy Team
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Stanford University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores two methods of managing epidurals during labor to determine which one increases satisfaction for new mothers after childbirth. The primary focus is on which method leads to greater happiness post-delivery, while also assessing pain control and any side effects. Participants include those planning a vaginal delivery who want an epidural and are at least 34 weeks pregnant. They will either choose their epidural management (patient-selected epidural management) or receive standard care (standard epidural management) and complete short surveys about their pain and satisfaction. All medical care will proceed as usual, with no changes to safety practices. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to improving epidural care and enhancing maternal satisfaction during childbirth.

What prior data suggests that these epidural management approaches are safe for laboring patients?

Research has shown that epidural pain relief, commonly used during labor, is generally safe and well-tolerated. Past studies reported high satisfaction among patients who chose epidurals for pain relief. These studies also found that epidurals provide strong pain control, making them a popular choice for many expecting mothers.

Epidurals have been widely used and maintain a good safety record. Serious side effects are rare, while most side effects, such as minor headaches or temporary drops in blood pressure, are mild and manageable. The regular use of epidurals during labor has helped many women experience a more comfortable childbirth.

For those considering participation in a clinical trial on epidural management, this information can reassure them about the safety of epidural pain relief.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how giving mothers a choice in their epidural management might improve their birthing experience. Unlike standard epidural care, where the regimen is predetermined, this approach allows mothers to select their preferred pain management strategy. By focusing on patient choice, the trial aims to see if this flexibility leads to greater overall satisfaction and better pain control during childbirth. This could offer new insights into personalized care, potentially setting a new standard for maternal satisfaction in labor and delivery.

What evidence suggests that these epidural management approaches could improve maternal satisfaction during labor?

Research shows that epidurals effectively relieve pain during labor. Studies have found them to be the best medicine-based method for managing labor pain. Many women who choose an epidural report high satisfaction with their pain relief. In one study, 99% of women experienced mild or moderate pain relief with an epidural. This trial will compare two approaches: patient-selected epidural management, where participants choose their preferred regimen, and standard epidural management. While pain control is generally effective, satisfaction can vary based on individual expectations and experiences.12467

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

Planned vaginal delivery
Gestational age >34 weeks
I want an epidural for pain relief during labor.

Exclusion Criteria

Intolerance or allergy to local anesthetic or opioids
Cesarean delivery within 2 hours of epidural initiation
I have a history of chronic pain, anxiety, or depression.
See 1 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive epidural analgesia during labor and complete in-hospital questionnaires about pain and satisfaction

During labor
Continuous monitoring during labor

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for maternal satisfaction and pain control 24 hours after delivery

24 hours
1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Patient-selected epidural management
  • Standard epidural management

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: ChoiceExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: No-choiceActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
2,527
Recruited
17,430,000+

Citations

Childbirth Experience and Pain Control: Expectation ... - PMC

After the procedure, 92 (99%) women reported experiencing mild or moderate pain. Despite achieving effective pain management, it is ...

Maternal Satisfaction with the Birth Experience

Epidural analgesia is considered the most effective pharmacological method for labour pain relief and is associated with high levels of pain ...

SATISFACTION OF PARTURIENTS WITH EPIDURAL ...

In our investigation, we confirmed the high effectiveness of epidural analgesia with levobupivacaine and fentanyl on maternal pain relief and satisfaction in ...

Patient Preferences for Outcomes Associated With Labor ...

Overall satisfaction with the pain management: You are generally happy with the labor epidural experience. Experiencing a short duration of ...

the-level-of-patient-satisfaction-with-various-methods-of- ...

Introduction. Improved availability and efficacy of epidural anesthesia changes the expectations of many women concer- ning labor pain control.

Epidural during Labor for Pain Management

Today's video is all about the benefits and risks of using an epidural during labor for pain management.

Patient Satisfaction With Single-Shot Spinal Analgesia for Labor

The results of this analysis indicate that single-shot spinal analgesia is highly effective in providing rapid and significant pain relief ...