Epidural analgesia is the gold standard of pain relief for labour pain. Despite this, more than 50% of parturients continue to experience pain leading to suffering and increased caregiver workload. Women who have increased pain tend to have lower successful patient bolus demands when patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) is utilised and have dysfunctional labour requiring obstetric intervention such as Caesarean or instrumental delivery. Labour pain often escalates and worsens as labour progresses requiring an individualized, variable, flexible analgesic regimen. Bolus epidural administrations have been shown to improve uniform spread of local anaesthetics with better pain relief, compared to fixed background infusions.
Who can participate
Age range
21 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
. Healthy (ASA physical status 1 and 2) nulliparous parturients at term (≥36 weeks gestation);
. Singleton foetus
. Early labour (cervical dilation ≤5cm)
. Request labour epidural analgesia
. At least 21 years of age
Exclusion criteria
. parturients with multiple pregnancies
. non-cephalic foetal presentation
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.
. obstetric (e.g. pre-eclampsia, premature rupture of amniotic membranes, gestational diabetes on insulin) and uncontrolled medical (e.g. cardiac disease) complications
. have contraindications to neuraxial blockade or have received parenteral opioids with the last 2 hours.