Midwifery
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to assess the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief in labour. ⋯ there is only limited evidence that TENS reduces pain in labour and it does not seem to have any impact on other outcomes for mothers or infants. The use of TENS at home in early labour has not been evaluated. Although the guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommend that TENS should not be offered to women in labour, women appear to be choosing it and midwives are supporting them in their choice. Given the absence of adverse effects and the limited evidence base, it seems unreasonable to deny women that choice. More robust studies of effectiveness are needed.
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to describe the prevalence of women's preference for caesarean section as expressed in mid pregnancy, late pregnancy and one year post partum. An additional aim was to identify associated factors and investigate reasons for the preference. ⋯ rising caesarean section rates seem to be related to factors other than women's preferences. Ambivalence towards a way of giving birth is common during pregnancy. This should be of concern for midwives and obstetricians during antenatal care. Information and counselling should be frequent and comprehensive when a discussion on caesarean section is initiated by the pregnant woman. A negative birth experience is related to a future preference for caesarean section and this should be considered by caregivers providing intrapartum care.