Acupuncture or acupressure for pain management during labour

Caroline A Smith,Carmel T Collins,Kate M Levett,Mike Armour,Hannah G Dahlen,Aidan L Tan,Bita Mesgarpour · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2020 February 7

DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD009232.pub2

Objective

To examine the effects of acupuncture and acupressure for pain management in labour

Conclusions

This article highlighted that acupuncture in comparison to sham acupuncture can reduce pain management and lessen the likelihood of pharmacological analgesia.

Critical Appraisal

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Insights

Acupuncture and acupressure for labor pain.

This review of 28 trials encompassing 3960 women assessed the efficacy of acupuncture and acupressure in managing labor pain. Results indicate that acupuncture may enhance pain relief satisfaction and reduce analgesic use. Acupressure, compared to combined control or usual care, may decrease pain intensity. However, evidence quality varies, emphasizing the need for further high-quality research including sham controls, and exploring additional outcomes like sense of control in labor and overall childbirth satisfaction.