Abstract | OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving perineal pain after mediolateral episiotomy during childbirth. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: Women with mediolateral episiotomy during delivery were enrolled in this study and were assigned to be treated or not with acupuncture. OUTCOMES MEASURES: Perineal pain relieving effect of acupuncture was evaluated considering oral analgesics request during post-partum period and was the main outcome of this trial. RESULTS: A total of 42 women were enrolled in this trial. Twenty-one (21) women were treated with "wrist-ankle" acupuncture, inserting one needle in their right ankle. A second group of 21 women was not treated with acupuncture. Women in the acupuncture group were significantly less likely to experience pain; only 8 of them (38.1%) asked for analgesics. All women in the second group assumed oral analgesics because of perineal pain (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Wrist-ankle acupuncture during the postpartum period is effective for perineal pain relief after mediolateral episiotomy.
|
Authors | Chiara Marra, Ilaria Pozzi, Lorenzo Ceppi, Martina Sicuri, Fanny Veneziano, Anna Laura Regalia |
Journal | Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)
(J Altern Complement Med)
Vol. 17
Issue 3
Pg. 239-41
(Mar 2011)
ISSN: 1557-7708 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 21381963
(Publication Type: Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
|
Topics |
- Acupuncture Therapy
(methods)
- Adult
- Ankle
- Case-Control Studies
- Episiotomy
- Female
- Humans
- Obstetric Labor Complications
(therapy)
- Pain, Postoperative
(therapy)
- Perineum
(surgery)
- Pilot Projects
- Pregnancy
- Wrist
|