Lena Mårtensson

Lena Mårtensson is a Professor of Nursing at the School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Sweden. With a distinguished academic career spanning over two decades, she maintains an active research profile with numerous publications and ongoing projects focused on maternal health and pain management during childbirth.

Her educational background includes:

• Doctorate in Medical Sciences (2006)
• Licentiate degree in medical science (2003)
• Master of Philosophy in Nursing Education (1997)
• Bachelor of Philosophy in Nursing Education (1995)
• Teaching degree (1995)
• Midwifery degree (1986)
• Nursing degree (1980)

Professor Mårtensson's primary research focus centers on pain relief methods during childbirth, with particular expertise in sterile water injections and acupuncture as non-pharmacological pain management techniques. Her work addresses the critical balance between effective pain relief and minimizing potential negative side effects for both mother and child. She has conducted extensive research on the efficacy, implementation, and patient experiences related to these pain management approaches, contributing significantly to evidence-based practice in midwifery and obstetric care. Her research philosophy emphasizes that when treating the woman in labor, one must be aware that treatment can also affect the child both before and after birth, necessitating careful evaluation of pain relief methods.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory in maternal health research, with increasing emphasis on evidence-based pain management techniques, particularly sterile water injections. Her work spans clinical trials, systematic reviews, and implementation studies across multiple countries. The research demonstrates methodological diversity, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to understand pain management from multiple perspectives - healthcare providers, patients, and health systems. Recent work has expanded into digital health applications, couple relationships during the perinatal period, and global health contexts, particularly in resource-limited settings like Tanzania.

Professor Mårtensson is actively involved in several significant research projects:

• SeeMe: Children's Needs During Hospital Visits (January 2024 - December 2025)
• The Study of Parental Support (January 2014 - December 2024)
• Sterile water as pain relief during birth (April 2019 - December 2019)

Her research has established her as a leading expert in non-pharmacological pain management during childbirth, with particular recognition for advancing the evidence base for sterile water injections. She collaborates extensively with international researchers and has contributed to numerous publications in high-impact journals in the fields of obstetrics, midwifery, and pain management. Her work on the SATURN trial and comparisons of injection techniques demonstrates her commitment to optimizing clinical protocols for maximum benefit and minimal discomfort.