Reducing Chronic Pain After Cesarean Delivery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot study tests the feasibility and acceptability of delivering Empowered Relief (ER) in addition to standard postpartum care for women with ongoing postpartum pain after cesarean delivery. Eligible participants are postpartum women within the Stanford Healthcare system who delivered by cesarean and have pain or pain-related interference at 6 weeks postpartum. The ER session is offered in a virtual format when needed, and participants are followed through 12 weeks postpartum to assess feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary signals of benefit. The study emphasizes patient-centered outcomes and real-world applicability in a postpartum setting. Primary aims focus on whether participants can engage with the program and complete the intervention as part of standard care.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Complete informed consent.
2. Age 18 years or above.
3. Postpartum woman who delivered by cesarean within the Stanford Healthcare system.
4. Viable birth (singleton or multiple gestation).
5. All maternal demographics and complications are eligible: parity, medical conditions (e.g., pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes), and post-surgical complications (e.g., hysterectomy, ICU admission, extended hospital stay).
6. All neonatal complications are eligible (e.g., NICU admission, extended hospital stay)
7. Attend the 6-week postpartum clinic visit.
8. Any pain intensity (numeric rating scale \[NRS\] \>0/10) and/or pain interference (PROMIS pain interference 8a score \>8) at 6 weeks postpartum.
9. English fluency, with ability to read and write.
10. Ability to adhere to and complete study procedures.
11. Access to a smart device if attending ER session via Zoom.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age under 18 years.
2. Cognitive impairment or psychological factors that would preclude comprehension of study material or full participation.
3. Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.
4. Chronic pain prior to pregnancy.

Where it's running

• Stanford Medicine Children's Health - Specialty Services, Welch Road
  Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.