Timing the first epidural bolus: a key to better labor pain relief?

NCT ID NCT03044392

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: IWK Health Centre Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Labor Pain Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LABOR PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

IWK Health Centre

Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 6R8, Canada

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