Acupuncture for Pain Relief During Induced Labour in Nulliparae

Acupuncture for Pain Relief During Induced Labour in Nulliparae: a Randomised Controlled Study

The study was primarily designed to assess the role of acupuncture in reducing the need for epidural analgesia for pain relief during induced labour. The other outcomes of labour were to be observed in addition.

The study was limited to women in their first pregnancy having labour induced for prolonged pregnancy or mild hypertension. The study involved randomised groups managed with manual acupuncture, electro acupuncture, sham acupuncture and a no-treatment control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• nulliparae
• having labour induced for prolonged pregnancy or mild hypertension
• no previous experience of acupuncture
• give written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• all who do not meet the inclusion criteria