Timing the first epidural bolus: a key to better labor pain relief?
NCT ID NCT03044392
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at the best time to give the first dose of pain medicine through an epidural pump during labor. 84 women in labor were assigned to receive the first dose at 15, 30, or 45 minutes after starting the pump. The goal was to find a timing that provides good pain relief while using less medicine and reducing side effects like itching or low blood pressure. The trial was stopped early, so the results are not final.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
local anesthetic and opioid (via epidural pump)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help hospitals set the best timing for the first epidural dose, improving pain relief and reducing side effects for women in labor.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early with only 84 participants, so results are limited. The optimal interval may vary for different patients or hospitals.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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IWK Health Centre
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 6R8, Canada