Two acupressure points reduces labour pain

This study examines and compares the effect of LI4 and BL32 acupressure with each other and control group on labour pain and delivery outcomes.

In this randomized controlled trial, 105 primiparous women in active phase of first-stage of labor were equally assigned to two experimental groups [acupressure on LI4 (n=35) or BL32 (n=35)] and a control group (n=35).

The experimental groups received routine labour care and acupressure in LI4 or BL32 points in three cervical dilatations (4-5, 6-7, and 8-10cm).

The control group only received routine labour care. Pain reduction was significantly greater in LI4 and BL32 groups compared with control in all periods of study.

Also, acupressure on BL32 point was superior to LI4 point in pain relief in the first and second but not third intervention. No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of delivery outcomes.

Acupressure on BL32 and LI4 points are effective in reducing labor pain compared to control group with a slight superiority for BL32 points.

Acupressure on these points could apply for relief pain in labour as an inexpensive and easy to administered method.

Reference

Ozgoli et al. (2016) Effect of LI4 and BL32 acupressure on labor pain and delivery outcome in the first stage of labor in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med; 29:175-180. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.10.009.