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

ABSTRACT

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