Influence of Acupuncture on the Third Stage of Labor: A Randomized Controlled Trial

López-Garrido, B.

García-Gonzalo, J.

Patrón-Rodriguez, C.

Marlasca-Gutiérrez, M.J.

Gil-Pita, R.

Toro-Flores, R.

Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health

2015

60(2)

199-205

RCT

Labor Stage, Third

Acupuncture -- Utilization -- In Pregnancy

Human

Randomized Controlled Trials

Pregnancy

Spain

Single-Blind Studies

Placenta

Time Factors

Confidence Intervals

T-Tests

Adult

Female

Descriptive Statistics

Body Mass Index

Patient Attitudes -- Evaluation

Introduction A prolonged third stage of labor is considered to be a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage. The objective of this study was to determine the ability of acupuncture to reduce the length of the third stage of labor. Methods Seventy-six puerperal women who had a normal spontaneous birth at the Hospital Universitario Principe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Spain, were included in a single-blind randomized trial and evaluated by a third party. Women were randomly assigned to receive true acupuncture or placebo acupuncture (also known as sham acupuncture). In the first group, a sterilized steel needle was inserted at the Ren Mai 6 point, which is located on the anterior midline between the umbilicus and the upper part of the pubic symphysis. In the second group, the insertion site was located at the same horizontal level as the Ren Mai 6 point but shifted slightly to the left of the anterior midline. The management of the third stage of labor was the same in both groups. Results Statistically significant differences were found, with an average time to placental expulsion of 15.2 minutes in the placebo group and 5.2 minutes in the acupuncture group. No major complications occurred in either group. Discussion These results confirm that acupuncture at the Ren Mai 6 point can decrease the time to placental expulsion. This treatment represents a simple, safe, and inexpensive way of decreasing the duration of the third stage of labor.

10.1111/jmwh.12262

Accession Number: 103777071. Language: English. Entry Date: 20150319. Revision Date: 20160229. Publication Type: Journal Article; clinical trial; research; tables/charts; randomized controlled trial. Commentary: White Adrian, Langweiler Mark, Meinen Michael. Third stage of labour. (ACUPUNCTURE MED) Jun2015; 33 (3): 242-243. Journal Subset: Core Nursing; Double Blind Peer Reviewed; Editorial Board Reviewed; Expert Peer Reviewed; Nursing; Peer Reviewed; USA. Special Interest: Advanced Nursing Practice; Obstetric Care; Women's Health. NLM UID: 100909407.