Effect of Acupressure at the Sanyinjiao (SP6) – Hegu (LI4) Points on the Intensity of Labor Pain and Delivery length in Nulliparous Women.

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Delivery is the important events in the life of every women who has experienced the pain that is inevitable in the absence of control Lead to prolonged labor and many injuries to the mother and fetus. This research was done to determine the effect of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao –Hegu points on intensity of labor pain in nulliparous women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 84 eligible nulliparous women at Alavi and Sabalan hospitals in Ardabil. The participants were assigned into two intervention and control groups using randomized blocking. The intervention groups received acupressure at Sanyinjiao –Hegu points in 4, 6, 8 and 10 cm dilatation of cervix. Pain intensity were measured using visual analog scales before and after the intervention and duration of the active phase and second stage of labor by vaginal examination were recorded in the questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software using independent sample t test, paired t test, repeated measurement and chi square tests. Results: The results of this study showed that mean of pain intensity in intervention group in 4, 6, 8 and 10 cm dilatation after intervention statistically significant was decreased (p<0.001). Mean of pain intensity after intervention in intervention group statistically significant was decreased compare with control group (p<0.001). Mean of length of active phase and mean of length of second stage of delivery in intervention group statistically significant were decreased from control group (p<0.001, p=0.008). Conclusion: Acupressure at the Sanyinjiao –Hegu points in different dilatation, leads to the reduction in labor pain intensity and reduction delivery length it. Therefore, this method can be used in clinical trials, training students of midwifery and in research due to its simplicity, low cost, safety and acceptability.