Effects of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point (SP6) on the process of active phase of labor in nulliparas women

Abstract

Introduction. The reduction of the duration and pain of the active phase of labor is a very important issue and therefore always under serious investigation.

Objective. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point (SP6) on the duration and pain of the active phase of labor in nulliparas women.

Method. A single blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 120 eligible nulliparas women who were at the beginning of active phase of labor (3–4 cm dilatation of cervix plus proper uterine contractions). The women were randomly assigned into two groups. The case group (n = 60), received acupressure at Sanyinjiao point (above the ankle), for 30 min during contractions. In the control group (n = 60), simply a touch at this point without massage was performed. Two hours later a second pelvic examination was performed and in the absence of good forceful contractions oxytocin in the classical form was infused. Finally, duration of active phase, severity of pain (using the Visual Analogue Scale), the amount of necessary oxytocin and necessity to administer oxytocin and the route of delivery were compared between the two groups and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 15.

Results. The mean duration of active phase was shorter in the case group (252.37 ± 108.50 min vs. 441.38 ± 155.88, p = 0.0001). Six patients (10%) in the case group and 25 patients (41.7%) in the control group delivered via cesarean section (p = 0.0001). The severity of pain in the case group was less than the control group (5.87 ± 1.77 vs. 6.79 ± 1.52, p = 0.003). Twenty-five women (41.7%) in the case group and 38 women (63.3%) in the control group needed oxytocin (p = 0.017) The amount of necessary oxytocin in the case group was less than the control group (73.33 ± 97.19 ml vs. 126.6 ± 97.19 ml, p = 0.003).

Conclusion. Acupressure at Sanyinjiao point (SP6) reduced the duration and severity of pain of the active phase of labor, cesarean section rates, and necessity and amount of oxytocin.

Keywords:

• Acupressure at Sanyinjiao point (SP6)
• active phase of labor
• delivery
• pain
• oxytocin cesarean section
• alternative medicine
• complementary medicine

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by Iran University of Medical Sciences, Deputy of Research and Technology, Project No. 748.