Does how you push during labor matter? study tests two approaches with epidurals

NCT ID NCT07663500

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether the type of pushing strategy—immediate pushing or waiting for the urge to push—combined with extra supportive care affects labor length and outcomes for women using low-dose epidural pain relief. About 159 low-risk pregnant women at full term will be assigned to one of three groups. Researchers will track how long labor lasts, whether women need a C-section or other help, and how mothers and babies fare.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this could help guide better care for women using epidurals during labor, potentially shortening labor and reducing interventions.
What could go wrong: This is a small, non-randomized study, so results may not apply to all women. Differences in care could affect outcomes, and the study does not test a drug or device.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 159 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Jun 2025

Expected to finish

Jul 2026

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 years and older

Sex

Female participants only

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria:low-risk pregnant women aged 18 years or older with a singleton, term pregnancy (37-42 weeks), spontaneous labor onset, and planning to receive low-dose epidural analgesia. Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion Criteria: multiple gestation, non-cephalic presentation, known major fetal anomalies, planned cesarean birth, contraindications to vaginal birth, contraindications to maternal mobility or epidural analgesia, or inability to provide informed consent.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Epidural analgesia, obstetric Labor duration Labor, obstetric

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

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A doctor treating you

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Does how you push during labor matter? study tests two approaches with epidurals

What the study statuses mean