[Pain relief during delivery by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (author's transl)]

The analgesic effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TNS) during delivery has been evaluated. The usual technique of TNS was modified to suit the specific needs of pain control during the whole course of delivery. Two pairs of electrodes were taped to the patient's back, one pair level with the spinal processes Th 10-L1 and the other with S2-S4, corresponding to the influx of pain during the first and second stages respectively. Stimulation was delivered as biphasic pulses at 60-80 Hz. A low-intensity stimulation was given continuously, and a high-intensity stimulation was initiated by the patient herself whenever pain increased. As a rule, stimulation via the thoracic electrodes was given throughout delivery and sacral stimulation added from the later part of the first stage. No complications with respect to mother or child have occured. Three hundred and forty-seven women have been treated, 47% of them considered the analgesia with TNS to be good or very good, 42% experienced a certain effect whil 11% considered that TNS made no difference. In view of the relatively good results and the absence of complications, the authors recommend the method as a primary pain relieving measure to which conventional methods can be added if necessary.