Semi-permanent Acupuncture Effect on Cervical Ripening

Clinical Trial With Two Branches to Study the Effect of Semi-permanent Acupuncture at Specific Acupuncture Points on Reducing the Number of Inductions During Labor in Women at Low or Moderate Risk

Cervical ripening is a medical treatment that can cause physical or emotional discomfort in pregnant women and is not without risks. This is a pilot study to assess feasibility and calculate the number of participants necessary for a complete clinical trial. The aim is to evaluate whether acupuncture can reduce the need for treatment (cervical ripening) in pregnant women at low or intermediate risk. Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will receive acupuncture, and the other will receive a simulated treatment of acupuncture.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Anticipated delivery at the study center.
• Ability to collaborate in necessary evaluations.
• Legal capacity to provide informed consent.
• Signature of the informed consent for inclusion in the study, by oneself.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy with high or very high risk as described by the Pregnancy and Childbirth Monitoring Protocols of the Department of Health of Catalonia
• History of cesarean delivery.
• Language barrier preventing collaboration in study procedures.
• Cognitive or affective pathology limiting the ability to collaborate with study procedures.
• Participation in another clinical trial involving an experimental intervention during the period of this trial and/or establishing a visit frequency incompatible with this trial.