A Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupuncture to Reduce Labour Pain
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Labour Pain
- Sponsor
- University of Skövde
- Enrollment
- 303
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Use of Epidural Analgesia
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 3 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture and electro-acupuncture on labour pain.
Detailed Description
Acupuncture is used in obstetric care in spite of insufficient evidence of its potential to reduce labour pain. The findings so far are contradictory, which may reflect methodological limitations. The present study will take issues into account, such as sufficiently large sample to allow detection of possible differences between study groups; optimal timing of the intervention; controlling for intensity of the treatment; qualified training of persons giving the treatment; biological markers of pain and stress; possible effects on mother and infant; women's experiences such as overall birth experience and memory of pain.
Investigators
Lena B Martensson
PhD RNM Senior Lecturer
University of Skövde
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Admission to the labour ward in spontaneous onset of labour
- •Latent or active phase of labour
- •Nulliparity
- •Singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation
- •Gestation: 37+0 to 41+6 (weeks + days)
- •Expressed need for labour pain relief
- •Swedish speaking (well enough to understand written and oral instructions)
Exclusion Criteria
- •No pharmacological pain relief within 24 hours prior to inclusion into the study
- •Severe preeclampsia
- •Treatment with oxytocin at the time point of allocation
- •Treatment with anticoagulant
- •Pacemaker
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Use of Epidural Analgesia
Time Frame: From start of treatment until birth
Frequecy of epidural analgesia