Acupuncture as a method of pain relief during labour

Abstract

Acupuncture is being introduced in maternity care. It is used for analgesia, induction of labour, relaxation, unfavourable cervical dilatation and placental retention. This theory-based dissertation aims to explore the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief during labour and its safety. Moreover the objectives of this research are, to identify acupuncture points used for pain relief during labour, to learn whether acupuncture improves the birth experiences of labouring mothers, to learn about the effectiveness of acupuncture as pain relief, to identify whether there are any known side effects of acupuncture during childbirth, to learn whether acupuncture reduces the need for further pain relief, such as pethidine or epidural, and to explore the possible influences of acupuncture on the process of labour. An evidence-based literature review was carried out, in order to reach the aims and objectives of the study. Acupuncture is known as an effective pain relief during labour, it lessens the need for further pain relief such as epidural analgesia and enhances mothers’ birth experience. Acupuncture could be time consuming; however it is a simple and cheap method of analgesia. Most importantly it does not have any adverse effects on both the mother and baby, which makes it a preferred option on pharmaceutical pain relief, such as pethidine and epidural. Further research is required in this area. In fact, a proposal for a study trying to eliminate limitations experienced by previous researchers was designed. Recommendations for practice might include, that health care professionals should carry out acupuncture safely and recommend acupuncture for their mothers. Research shows that even though mothers knew about the benefits of acupuncture they did not ask for it themselves, but accepted it when offered by midwives. Recommendations for education include training courses for midwives and doctors on acupuncture treatment, as to carry out this treatment one should be qualified. Moreover, mothers should be given information regarding acupuncture during pregnancy, so they would be able to give informed consent during labour.