[A retrospective analysis of the results of obstetric acupuncture at Frederiksberg Hospital].
BACKGROUND
The use of obstetric acupuncture in Denmark is increasing but its use in routine clinical practice has not been evaluated.


METHODS
This retrospective uncontrolled study comprises 691 women who attended Frederiksberg Hospital during pregnancy and delivery. Their mean age was 30.5 +/- 4.3 year, mean parity 1.3 +/- 0.6 (71.8% were primiparous), and the mean gestational age was 39 +/- 3.7 weeks. A total of 563 of the women (81.5%) were in labour. The effect of acupuncture was evaluated by the pregnant women alone for the pregnancy-related indications and by both women and midwifes for labour-related indications.


RESULTS
The women had acupuncture based on 997 individual indications (mean 1.4 +/- 0.5). Twenty-two indications were used. 78.8% of all treatments were for pain relief or anxiety. The scores were highly correlated between women and midwives as 42.2 and 40.6%, respectively, indicated "full effect" and 33.3 and 33.4% indicated "some effect". The midwives' scores were independent of the women's age, parity, gestational age and indication(s). One possible side effect was observed (temporary dropfoot).


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, routine obstetric acupuncture was perceived as equally effective by the women and midwifes. The method is simple, inexpensive and without significant adverse effects. It deserves a place in the midwives' armamentarium.
Spellerberg
Eileen
E
Fødeafdelingen, H:S Frederiksberg Hospital, DK-2000 Frederiksberg. eileen@spellerberg.net
Smidt-Jensen
Steen L
SL
D015667:Acupuncture Analgesia; D000328:Adult; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome