Effects of acupuncture on labor pain in primipara mothers

Abstract

Pain is usually regarded as a pathological phenomenon, and during labor, prolonged intense pain can negatively impact both the mother and baby. Acupuncture is a potential pain relief method suitable during childbirth. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture therapy on reducing pain during normal labor in primipara mothers. A randomized, single-blind, clinical trial was performed on 50 pregnant women. Twenty-five women were assigned to the acupuncture treatment group and 25 women to the control group. All women received the same care related to labor and delivery. The treatment group received acupuncture therapy at the time of phase I labor or when pain started to interrupt, whereas the control group did not. The numeric analog scale (NAS) score, amount of labor pain, duration and intensity of uterine contractions, and duration of phase II of delivery were calculated for each woman. After delivery, APGAR scores were recorded for the babies. Acupuncture significantly reduced pain associated with labor (p < 0.05). Acupuncture therapy is effective for reducing labor pain, strengthening uterine contractions, and speeding up phase II of delivery. Acupuncture had no side effects on mothers or babies.