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Abstract
Objective: To determine if light pressure effleurage (leg rubbing) during genetic amniocentesis reduces procedure-related pain and anxiety.
Methods: Two hundred women with singleton gestations undergoing genetic amniocentesis between 15-22 weeks recorded their level of anticipated pain and anxiety on a 10-cm linear visual analog scale prior to the amniocentesis. Subjects were then randomized to receive effleurage or no effleurage by the assisting nurse during the procedure. Subjects were blinded to the effleurage nature of the study. Following the amniocentesis, subjects repeated the pain and anxiety scoring.
Results: The two groups were similar with respect to subject and procedure characteristics, as well as anticipated pain or anxiety prior to amniocentesis. Postamniocentesis pain and anxiety scoring were similar in the two groups. The mean effleurage acceptance score was 8.3 ± 1.8 (out of 10), and 90.2% of subjects reported that they would want effleurage with future amniocenteses.
Conclusions: Although well accepted by women, light pressure effleurage during genetic amniocentesis does not reduce procedure-related pain or anxiety.