Wrist-Ankle Acupuncture as Perineal Pain Relief After Mediolateral Episiotomy: A Pilot Study.

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 n...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine Vol. 17; no. 3; pp. 239 - 242
Autores principales: Marra, Chiara, Pozzi, Ilaria, Ceppi, Lorenzo, Sicuri, Martina, Veneziano, Fanny, Regalia, Anna Laura
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Mar2011
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario: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.