Effects of Acupressure on Labor Length and Outcome in Nulliparous Women: A Clinical Trial

Background labor increases the chances of cesarean section delivery and creates maternal and neonatal complications (like fetal heart rate drop).  Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupressure on sp6, He-7, LI4, and NEIMA points on the duration and outcome of delivery in nulliparous women. Methods This randomized clinical trial was performed on 130 mothers admitted to the Maternity Ward of Razi Hospital in Qazvin City, Iran. The samples were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=64) and control groups (n=66). The intervention group received Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on four acupressure points (SP6, LI4, He-7, and NEIMA) in the unilateral upper and lower extremities during the delivery stages and the control group was received routine labor care. Durations of the first and second stages of delivery were measured using a digital clock. The obtained data were analyzed by the Chi-square, t test, and Mann-Whitney tests. Findings The Mean±SD age of the participants was 24.48±4 years. Acupressure intervention did not produce a significant effect on the mean duration of the first and second stages of delivery in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Also, the outcome of delivery in the two groups did not show a significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusion The application of TENS on specific acupuncture points could not reduce the length of labor stages and the outcome of childbirth. Further studies are recommended in this regard.