The Effect of Acupressure on Initiation of Labor In Term Pregnancy

Introduction Acupressure is one of the natural methods of labor induction but limited study has been done to evaluate its effectiveness. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of acupressure for the initiation of labor. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out at the Ganjavian hospital Dezful-Iran 2010. Eighty nulliparous women with uncomplicated pregnancy, singleton fetus at 40-42 weeks,bishop score  4, without uterine contraction were randomized to acupressure group versus usual medical care(control group). In acupressure group recieve acupressure with special technique at Large Intestine.4 (Hego), Gall Bladder.21(Jianjing) and Spleen.6(Sanynjiao)points. Acupressure to delivery interval, acupressure to active phase interval, Estimate Date of Confinement to delivery time interval and Mean duration of active phase, second and third stages of labor were evaluated in each group. The data were analyzed using the descriptive static, t-test, chi square, fisher test, Kaplan Mayer and Repeated Measure test. Results: Compared to controls, women in the acupressure group tended to be more likely for labor initiation (70% vs. 35%, p=0.002). There was a significant difference among groups about acupressure to delivery interval (p=0.004) and acupressure to active phase interval (p=0.04). Estimate Date of Confinement to delivery time interval was not significant (p=0.06). Mean duration of active phase, second and third stages of labor and mode of delivery was not different in two groups (p0.05). Conclusion: Acupressure increase spontaneous labor and it can reduce delivery time interval.