Two vs. four SWI for low back pain in labour. Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Intradermal sterile water injections for relief of low back pain in labour: is a two injection technique as effective as a four injection technique? A pilot study.
IRAS ID
226354
Contact name
Nina Dunne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Brighton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Sterile water injections (SWI) are a simple, safe procedure used to relieve low back pain in labouring women. The current technique involves four injections of sterile water in the lower back, which provides effective relief of low back pain. The injections, however, cause an intense stinging sensation, lasting about 30 seconds, which can sometimes discourage women from trying SWI, or using them again. To reduce the pain of administration, the injections are given simultaneously by two midwives. Unfortunately, this means that when there is not a second midwife available, SWI cannot be offered. \nThe intention of the study is to explore if a two-injection technique provides as effective pain relief as four injections, whilst reducing the pain of administration. A pilot study is being undertaken to explore if the two-injection technique provides adequate analgesia, prior to a definitive trial. \nAnyone with an uncomplicated pregnancy, who is suffering with low back pain during the first stage of labour (up to 10cm dilated) can take part in the study. As long as the woman is beyond 37 weeks of pregnancy, and the labour is otherwise straightforward, they will be eligible to participate. \nParticipants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: two intervention groups and one control group. Participants will be asked to rate their level of low back pain from 1-10 prior to the injections (using the Visual Analogue Scale), and at set time periods afterwards, up to two hours. Participants will also be asked a few simple questions following the birth. No further feedback will be required. Data collection will take place at either Tunbridge Wells Hospital or Maidstone Birth Centre. \nThe project is part of the researchers Masters in Clinical Research, funded by the National Institute of Health Research. \n
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0253
Date of REC Opinion
2 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion