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Induction of Labor by Acupuncture and Electrical Stimulation

From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternity Child Center, Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Republic of China

Abstract

Acupuncture with and without electrical stimulation was used to induce labor in 12 pregnant women. Their periods of gestation ranged from 19 to -13 weeks. This method proved simple and effective, yet painless, in both the early and late stages of pregnancy. The technic could induce and maintain an entire course of labor without complications; the success rate was 83%, and average induction-delivery time was 13.1 hours. Whatever the pattern of uterine contration, the relation between the force of contraction and the degree of dilation of the cervix differed from that in oxytocin-induced and spontaneous labor. The possibility of acupuncture stimulation transmitted from a neural origin is suspected. Further studies arc required to demonstrate this particular pattern of uterine contraction and the mechanism of acupuncture stimulation.