[Effect of rocking motion on labor pain before epidural catheter insertion in the sitting position]

To assess the effects of rocking motion on labour pain and before epidural catheter insertion.

Clinical prospective observational study.

Pain scores (numerical scale: 0-10) were recorded in 50 laboring women in three consecutive positions: lying down, sitting and then rocking back and forth while seated. The overall satisfaction (0-10) and any comment related to the rocking procedure were also recorded.

One woman refused to rock during the procedure and five alternated moving and still periods. Pain scores were similar in the lying (8.1 +/- 1.8) and sitting position (8.0 +/- 1.8), whereas they significantly decreased while rocking (6.6 +/- 1.7; p < 0.001 versus both lying and sitting still positions). Satisfaction associated with rocking chair motion was high (8.9 +/- 1.4).

Within the limits of an observational and preliminary study, we observed that rocking motion during the procedure was associated with a significant decrease in labour pain and that patient satisfaction was high. Several hypotheses are proposed to explain these effects, i.e. patient's involvement in an action that focuses attention, loss of parturient's landmarks and stimulation of the vestibular system which might lead to a change in the cognitive perception of the body.