The usage of acupuncture for labor pain: a report from primary clinic health in Indonesia
Selfi Handayani- M. Nur Dewi Kartikasari- Endang Listyaningsih S- Annang Giri Moelyo- Ita Kusumawati

Department of Anatomy and Embryology Faculty of medicine Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta
Diploma3 Midwifery UNS Vocational School
Departement of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta, Indonesia
Department of Paediatric Dr Moewardi Hospital/ Faculty of Medicine Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta
Griya Husada 2 Primary Haelth Clinic, Karanganyar

Abstract

Some parturition women need additional therapy for reducing labor pain. Electroacupuncture is a modern variation of acupuncture that uses electrical energy. This study aims to observe the usage of electroacupuncture to reduce pain labor in the primary health clinic. We report childbirth from July to August 2022 in the primary clinic. There were 13 patients who agreed to be treated by acupuncture, but 2 patients did not fulfill the indication. The general points LI4, ST36, and SP6 and segmental points were used. The segmental points selection is based on the location of the uterus innervation. EA was used at an alternating frequency of 2/100 Hz and intensity of 0.1-0.3 mA, which was adjusted for 20 minutes. The Numbering analog scale (NAS) score, amount of labor pain, duration and intensity of uterine contractions, and duration of phase II of delivery were calculated and it was monitored by Partograph for each woman. After delivery, APGAR scores were recorded for the babies. Acupuncture therapy is effective for reducing labor pain, strengthening uterine contractions, and speeding up phase II of delivery. Acupuncture had no side effects on mothers or babies, and it is recommended for practice in primary care clinics.

Keywords: acupuncture- labor pain

Topic: Medical : basic science, clinical, translational research, medical education, and miscellaneous