Wrist-ankle acupuncture as perineal pain relief after mediolateral episiotomy: A pilot study

Objectives: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving perineal pain after mediolateral episiotomy during childbirth. Design and subjects: Women with mediolateral episiotomy during delivery were enrolled in this study and were assigned to be treated or not with acupuncture. Outcomes measures: Perineal pain relieving effect of acupuncture was evaluated considering oral analgesics request during post-partum period and was the main outcome of this trial. Results: A total of 42 women were enrolled in this trial. Twenty-one (21) women were treated with "wrist-ankle" acupuncture, inserting one needle in their right ankle. A second group of 21 women was not treated with acupuncture. Women in the acupuncture group were significantly less likely to experience pain; only 8 of them (38.1%) asked for analgesics. All women in the second group assumed oral analgesics because of perineal pain (p<0.01). Conclusions: Wrist-ankle acupuncture during the postpartum period is effective for perineal pain relief after mediolateral episiotomy. © Copyright 2011, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.