Acupuncture for pain relief in labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis

S-H Cho, H Lee, E Ernst · BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2010 June 8

DOI 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2010.02570.x

Objective

To critically evaluate the evidence for or against acupuncture for labour pain management.

Conclusions

The evidence from RCTs does not support the use of acupuncture for controlling labour pain. The primary studies are diverse and often flawed. Further research seems warranted.

Critical Appraisal

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Insights

Acupuncture ineffective for labour pain relief:

A systematic review and meta-analysis assessed acupuncture's efficacy in relieving labor pain. Ten randomized controlled trials involving 2038 women were analyzed. Acupuncture showed no significant superiority over minimal acupuncture at 1 and 2 hours post-treatment. Electroacupuncture demonstrated temporary pain reduction at 15 and 30 minutes compared to placebo, but effects weren't sustained. When compared to no intervention, acupuncture provided only an 11% reduction in pain for the initial 30 minutes. However, in trials against conventional analgesia, acupuncture led to reduced meperidine and other analgesic use. Overall, evidence doesn't strongly support acupuncture for labor pain, urging further research.