New study tests better pain relief for severe birth tears

NCT ID NCT03470675

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Northwestern University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at three ways to manage pain after severe perineal tears (called OASIS) that can happen during vaginal delivery. Sixty-seven women received either a placebo, epidural morphine alone, or epidural morphine plus intravenous ketamine. The goal was to see which option reduced pain one week after birth. The findings could help improve postpartum recovery for women with these injuries.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Epidural morphine and intravenous ketamine
What this could lead to: If effective, this could point toward a standard pain management approach for women with severe perineal tears after childbirth.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed Phase 4 trial with only 67 participants, so results may not apply to all women. Pain relief from a single dose may be limited and side effects possible.

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.

Pain postpartum depression

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PAIN POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Northwestern University

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

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