Comparative Analysis Between Paracetamol vs Placebo During Labour in Primigravida in Terms of Cervical Dilatation and Adequate Analgesia

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate a comparative analysis of paracetamol versus placebo during labour in primigravida women in terms of cervical dilatation and adequacy of analgesia.

Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Patel Hospital, Karachi, from June 2023 to December 2023. All primiparous women with singleton pregnancies, cephalic presentation, active labour, and gestational age greater than 37 weeks were included. The women were randomly categorized into two groups: the intervention group 1000 mg 1 g paracetamol with oxytocin augmentation) and the control group (oxytocin augmentation alone. Cervical dilatation was measured in centimeters from the onset of active labour greater than 4 cm) to full dilatation 10 cm. Pain scores were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale VAS, where participants rated their pain. Changes in pain scores over time were analyzed to determine the analgesic efficacy of paracetamol compared to placebo. Pain scores were assessed at regular hourly intervals until full cervical dilatation or delivery. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: A total of 80 women with term pregnancies were studied, with an overall mean age of 24.22 years. 

Conclusion: Paracetamol administration as an adjunct to oxytocin augmentation was found to be significantly effective in promoting faster cervical dilatation and significantly reducing labour pain.