The influence of acupuncture stimulation during pregnancy: the induction and inhibition of labor.
Uterine response to electroacupuncture stimulation of specific sites of the extremities is demonstrated in 60 pregnant women--48 cases for labor induction and 12 cases for inhibition of premature labor. In the 34 term, post-term, and 7 intrauterine fetal death cases, induction of labor was attempted; in 32 cases delivery was achieved, resulting in a success rate of 78%. In 7 cases of midterm abortion attempts, all failed to respond. Of the 12 cases of premature labor, with the exception of 1 case, all carried the pregnancy to term, resulting in a success rate of 91.6%. Based on these clinical observations, electroacupuncture may become a useful tool in controlling labor. The possible mechanism of action is discussed. Further investigation and standardization of this technique is proposed.
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011273:Pregnancy, Prolonged