The location of needle insertion effect on maternal pain in amniocentesis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether maternal pain in amniocentesis was associated with the location of needle insertion and other identifiable clinical correlates.


METHODS
This prospective study of mid-trimester amniocentesis was conducted between October 2005 and December 2005. Women were asked to complete a visual analog scale (VAS) after the amniocentesis. The distance from uterine fundus to symphysis pubis and from the location of needle insertion to symphysis pubis were measured and calculated to divide the insertion into two groups: upper third and middle third. The effect of previous amniocentesis, previous abdominal surgery, needle insertion through placenta and operators' experience was determined. The t-test was used for analysis; a probability value of < 0.05 was considered significant.


RESULTS
Seventy-two women were participated in the study. The mean VAS was 2.7 +/- 2.1. The perception of pain was significantly less in patients with the upper-third insertion as compared with the middle third insertion (VAS 2.2 vs 3.9, p = 0.002). Previous amniocentesis, previous abdominal surgery, needle insertion through placenta and operators' experience had no impact on pain intensity.


CONCLUSIONS
The pain from amniocentesis was significantly less in the patients with the needle insertion in the upper third of the uterus.
Lekskul
Navamol
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Rama IV Rd, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Tannirandorn
Yuen
Y
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D048949:Labor Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010465:Perception; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014599:Uterus / Q000293:injuries*