[Effects of LI4 acupressure on labor pain in the first stage of labor]

Many pregnant women like to avoid pharmacological or invasive methods of pain management in labor. Acupressure is a non-invasive method that has been suggested for labor pain relief. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LI4 acupressure on labor pain in the first stage of labor. This single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 100 eligible women who were at the beginning of active phase of labor [3-5 cm dilatation of cervix]. The case group [n=50] received LI4 acupressure at the onset active phases for duration of each uterine contraction over a period of 20 minutes, while the control group [n=50] received a touch at this point without massage. Labor pain was measured several times using a subjective labor pain scale [Visual analogue scale] before intervention, immediately, 20, and 60 minutes after intervention and then each hour until delivery. Finally, severities of pain were compared between the two groups. There were significant differences between the groups in subjective labor pain scores at immediately, 20, 60 and 120 minutes after intervention [P<0.001]. These finding showed that LI4 acupressure was effective for decreasing pain in women during labor. LI4 acupressure can be an effective nursing management for women in labor

[Effects of LI4 acupressure on delivery satisfaction]

Women's dissatisfaction with childbirth experience may have immediate and long-term effects on their health and relationship with infant. There is not enough documented researches in this area. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of LI4 Acupressure on delivery satisfaction in women referring to Fatemieh hospital in Shahroud. In this experimental study 100 women in labor referring to delivery room of the hospital in Shahroud were randomly assigned into experimental [n=50] or control group [n=50]. The experimental group received LI4 acupressure at the onset active phases for duration of each uterine contraction over a period of 20 minutes and the control group received only LI4 touch. An observation checklist and information forms were used for data collection and content validity method was used for validating of questionnaires. Delivery satisfaction was measured immediately after delivery in both groups. There was significantly different in satisfaction rates between two groups [P=0.017]. 86% of experimental group and 68% of control group expressed their satisfaction in highest score [score 6]. According to the finding, it seems that LI4 acupressure has some positive effect on delivery satisfaction in women. Therefore using this easy and applicable method in delivery rooms is recommended