Burst vs. steady: which epidural method is better for moms?

NCT ID NCT01856166

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University Hospital, Montpellier Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested two methods of delivering epidural pain medication during labor in 304 first-time mothers. One method gave a steady drip of pain relievers, while the other gave small, timed bursts. The goal was to see which approach led to fewer delivery complications, such as the need for forceps or vacuum. Researchers tracked pain levels, muscle weakness, and overall satisfaction.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Levobupivacaine and Sufentanil (pain-relieving drugs) delivered via epidural pump
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that giving pain medication in small, timed bursts reduces the need for assisted delivery (like forceps) compared to a continuous drip.
What could go wrong: This is a completed study, so results are already in. The difference between methods may be small, and findings may not apply to all women or other hospitals.

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.

PREGNANCY

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHU Bicêtre

Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94275, France
CHU d'Estaing

Clermont-Ferrand, 63003, France
CHU of Montpellier

Montpellier, 34000, France
Hôpital Mère Enfant

Bron, 69500, France

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