The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effects of nonpharmacological
approaches to pain relief during labour in comparison to
usual care in women with a normal singleton pregnancy. Chaillet and colleagues
searched multiple databases and reference lists from selected
studies to identify relevant studies. Only randomised controlled trials
(RCTs) were eligible. Three authors independently assessed the studies for
inclusion, and two authors assessed risk of bias and carried out data
extraction. Studies were categorised according to one of three mechanisms of action: gate control, central nervous system control (CNSC), diffuse
noxious inhibitory control (DNIC).2 3 The primary maternal outcomes were
mode of delivery and need for epidural analgesia, together with a number
of secondary maternal and newborn outcomes.