Words matter: can positive talk ease epidural pain?

NCT ID NCT04497220

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Minnesota Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether using positive language during epidural placement can lower pain scores compared to negative phrasing. Thirty pregnant women receiving their first epidural will be randomly assigned to hear either a positive or negative script. The goal is to see if the way doctors describe the procedure affects how much pain patients feel.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If it works, this could show that simple changes in how doctors talk can reduce pain during procedures.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply widely. The effect of words on pain is hard to measure reliably.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANESTHESIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Minnesota
RECRUITING

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

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