Could epidurals shield new mothers from postnatal depression?
NCT ID NCT03167905
First seen Aug 06, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial asks whether the type of pain relief a woman receives during labor can influence her risk of developing postnatal depression. About 10-15% of new mothers experience postnatal depression, and this study compares epidural analgesia with non-epidural options like laughing gas or injectable painkillers. Researchers will track mood and persistent pain in healthy women delivering a single baby at term. The goal is to see if one approach better supports emotional well-being after childbirth.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Epidural analgesia (ropivacaine with fentanyl) versus non-epidural options (Entonox, meperidine, remifentanil)
- What this could lead to
- If epidural pain relief lowers the chance of postnatal depression, it could guide safer, more supportive choices for women during childbirth.
- What could go wrong
- The trial is in earlier phases and results may not apply to all women. Epidurals carry their own risks, and the link between pain relief and depression is not yet proven.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANALGESIA, OBSTETRICAL are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Singapore, 229899, Singapore
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Robot-Guided brain zaps: a new hope for postpartum depression?
- Yoga before birth may ease postpartum blues, study finds
- Can pediatrician training improve Parent-Child bonds?
- New moms get digital support to beat baby blues
- Bed rest for short cervix under scrutiny: could normal activity be better?
- New hope for HIV-positive moms: counseling tackles depression and boosts care