CompletedPhase 4

Comparison of Epidural Labor Pain Relief Techniques on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes

United States120 participantsStarted 2013-11-26

Plain-language summary

The primary objective of this study is to compare the onset and duration of the initial dose of medications given through three different epidural (conventional epidural, combined spinal epidural and dural puncture epidural) techniques for labor pain relief. The secondary objective of this study is to compare the fetal effects of these three epidural labor analgesia techniques.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 50 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * 1\. Nulliparous (first baby) parturient 2. Singleton, vertex gestation at term (37-42 weeks) 3. Less than 5 cm dilation 4. Desires an epidural technique for labor analgesia Exclusion Criteria: \- 1. Current or historical evidence of clinically significant disease or condition, including diseases of pregnancy (i.e preeclampsia, gestational diabetes) 2. Any contraindication to the administration of an epidural technique 3. History of hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reaction to local anesthetic or opioid medications 4. Current or historical evidence of a disease which may result in the risk of a cesarean delivery. 5\. Evidence of anticipated fetal anomalies

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Maternal Outcomes

Timeframe: Participants will be followed for the duration of labor analgesia from initiation to delivery, an expected average of 12 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02008591

SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-01-27

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Laboring Women Requesting Neuraxial Labor Analgesia trials