Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and maternal positioning on pain and satisfaction of labour among primigravida women during the first stage of labour: an analytical case series

Labour is a physiological process in which mechanical and hormonal events influence the foetus expulsion through uterine contraction. Labour is commonly divided into three different stages. The first stage, or dilatative stage, is the phase when the dilatation of the uterine cervix occurs. This study aims to find out the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and maternal positioning on pain and satisfaction among women undergoing labour. This is a case series based on convenience sampling among 12 primigravida women in the labour department, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry. The participants were divided into two groups based on patient convenience. Group A received conventional treatment and Group B received TENS and maternal positioning during the first stage of labour in addition to conventional treatment. The post-interventional assessment is taken in both the groups and results are interpreted. There was a reduction in the pain intensity and improved maternal satisfaction in the intervention group than the control group. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and maternal positioning are feasible, affordable methods of reducing pain and improving maternal satisfaction that can be used to lower the fear of pain among primigravida, increase maternal mobility during labour, enhance maternal care, have a positive experience in labour, and improve women's quality of life.