Effectiveness of Acupuncture for the Initiation of Labour at Term: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract:

Conclusion: The interesting results of this pilot trial warrant further
investigation into the use of acupuncture for the initiation of labour
in women at term.

Objective: This study was designed to determine the effectiveness
of acupuncture for the initiation of labour in women at term.
Methods: A prospective pilot randomized control trial was
undertaken, in which 16 pregnant women at term were randomly
assigned to receive acupuncture either at sites reported to cause
onset of labour or at nearby sham sites. The primary outcome
assessed was the interval from initial acupuncture treatment to
delivery.
Results: There was a difference in intervention to delivery interval of
62 hours in favour of the treatment group. Furthermore, women in
this group had shorter labours by a mean of 2 hours and
20 minutes.

Laura M. Gaudet, MD,1 Randal Dyzak, BScPT, Cert Med Acup,2 Steven K.H. Aung MD, FAAFP,3
Graeme N. Smith, MD, PhD1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen’s University, Kingston ON
2PRO-ACTIVE Rehabilitation Centre, Kingston ON
3Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB

http://www.sogc.org/jogc/abstracts/full/200812_Obstetrics_3.pdf