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Updated: May 27, 2026

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Analgesia for amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
Faris Mujezinovic1, Zarko Alfirevic
1University Clinical Department ofGynecology and Perinatology, University Clinical Center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.
Pain during amniocentesis is generally minor. Current evidence does not support using local anesthetics, leg rubbing, or subfreezing needles for pain reduction during this procedure.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) experience concerns about procedural pain.
- Analgesia approaches are categorized into non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of different analgesia methods on pain reduction during amniocentesis or CVS.
Main Methods:
- Searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register for randomized trials up to August 31, 2011.
- Included randomized and quasi-randomized trials comparing analgesia methods for amniocentesis or CVS.
- Assessed eligibility, trial quality, and extracted data.
Main Results:
- Five randomized studies (805 women) evaluated analgesia for amniocentesis; no studies for CVS were found.
- Local anesthesia, leg rubbing, subfreezing needles, and lidocaine-prilocaine cream showed no significant pain reduction compared to controls.
- No statistical difference in pain scores (VAS) was observed across the evaluated interventions.
Conclusions:
- Pain during amniocentesis is typically minor.
- Insufficient evidence currently supports the use of local anesthetics, leg rubbing, or subfreezing needles for pain reduction.
- Women can be informed about the minor nature of pain during amniocentesis.
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