Background: Sterile water injection is rapidly gaining popularity as a
method of pain relief in labor. The purpose of this single-blinded randomized
controlled study is to investigate the effect of intradermal sterile water
injection (ISWI) on labor experiences of women who experience low-back pain
during labor. Methods: The sample group of the study was 120 pregnant
women with severe low-back pain during labor (30-sterile water, 30-saline
solution, 60-control). In the study, the baseline low back pain score (7) was
determined with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in the ISWI group and then 0.1 mL
sterile water made to form 4 small blebs 1 over each posterior superior iliac
spine and 2 others placed 3 cm below and 1 cm medial to each of the first sites
(Michaelis Rhomboid). The VAS scoring were repeated at 10–30–60–90 and 120th
minutes after the injections. In the saline solution group, injection of 0.1 mL
saline solution was made with the same procedure. Childbirth Experience
Questionnaire (CEQ) were utilized to determine the effect of injections on
participants’ labor experiences. Also participants’ satisfaction with the method
was evaluated via Intradermal injections assessment form. Results: There
was a significant difference between the mean VAS scores in favor of the ISWI
group (p 0.05). Also comparisons indicated significant differences
in favor of the ISWI group in terms of both CEQ total mean score and women’s
thoughts about injections (p 0.05). Conclusions: The
findings of this study showed that ISWI was effective in relieving low-back pain
during labor and the technique had positive effects on labor experiences.