Needle size showdown: could a tiny change improve epidural pain relief in labor?
NCT ID NCT07708909
First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a dural puncture epidural (a small intentional hole in the spinal membrane) using a 25-gauge or 27-gauge needle provides better pain relief during labor than a standard epidural. 240 first-time mothers in active labor will be randomly assigned to one of three techniques. The study measures pain scores throughout labor to see which approach works best.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- dural puncture epidural technique using a 25G or 27G spinal needle, compared with conventional epidural
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that a specific needle size improves pain relief during labor without extra drugs.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage comparison; results may not apply to all women or settings, and any epidural carries rare risks like headache or infection.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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