title: Acupressure for inducing labour for nulliparous women with post-dates pregnancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy of acupressure for induction of labour for nulliparous women with a post-dates pregnancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single-blind randomised trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Antenatal and labour ward of a UK district general hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and thirty two women requiring induction of labour with a post-dates pregnancy (>41 weeks gestation) with no significant medical, obstetric or fetal condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Acupressure: 20 intermittent presses to stimulate each pair of acupressure points; (Large Intestine 4, followed by Spleen 6) or 'Sham" treatment: 20 intermittent presses to the patella and then to the olecranon.
  
  
  METHODS
  Treatment-to-commencement of labour interval.
  
  
  METHODS
  Requirements for oxytocin, mode of delivery, duration of labour, requirement for pre-labour Caesarean section, presence of meconium, neonatal intensive care admission, 5 min Apgar scores, and evaluation of maternal satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences between the two groups in treatment-to-commencement of labour interval, requirements for oxytocin or mode of delivery. Fewer inductions of labour were required in the sham treatment group (p = 0.004 CI 1-35). The incidence of meconium-stained liquor, and neonatal outcomes were similar for both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Acupressure performed at 41 weeks gestation in nulliparous women does not appear to be effective for inducing labour for post-dates pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, United Kingdom. Electronic address: segregson@btinternet.com.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gregson
authors.affiliation: Expectancy, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tiran
authors.affiliation: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Janine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Absalom
authors.affiliation: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Lorraine
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Older
authors.affiliation: Statsconsultancy Ltd, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bassett
mesh_terms: D019050:Acupressure / Q000379:methods*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Acupressure; Acupuncture; Induction of labour; Post-dates pregnancy