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The role of traditional complementary physical interventions in obstetrics - A scientific review commissioned by the European board and college of obstetrics and gynaecology (EBCOG).

European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
December 1, 2022
Charles Savona-Ventura et al. (2 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the role of acupressure as an alternative or complementary management modality for antenatal conditions, labor facilitation, and postpartum benefits.

Results Summary

The abstract suggests potential benefits of acupressure for antenatal conditions, labor, and postpartum outcomes, but systematic reviews indicate inconclusive evidence, highlighting the need for further controlled research. No adverse effects were reported.

Population

Pregnant women and postpartum individuals.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (26)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
acupuncture
decrease
spontaneous miscarriages
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#1
acupuncture
decrease
gastrointestinal problems
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#2
acupuncture
decrease
respiratory problems
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#3
acupuncture
decrease
urinary problems
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#4
acupuncture
increase
promoting a cephalic delivery
pregnant women
-
advocated as useful to help
#5
acupuncture
increase
induction/augmentation of labour
pregnant women
-
advocated as useful to help
#6
acupuncture
increase
pain relief
pregnant women
-
advocated as useful to help
#7
acupuncture
increase
secretion and production of milk
postpartum women
-
said to help
#8
acupressure
decrease
spontaneous miscarriages
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#9
acupressure
decrease
gastrointestinal problems
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#10
acupressure
decrease
respiratory problems
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#11
acupressure
decrease
urinary problems
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#12
acupressure
increase
promoting a cephalic delivery
pregnant women
-
advocated as useful to help
#13
acupressure
increase
induction/augmentation of labour
pregnant women
-
advocated as useful to help
#14
acupressure
increase
pain relief
pregnant women
-
advocated as useful to help
#15
acupressure
increase
secretion and production of milk
postpartum women
-
said to help
#16
electrostimulation
decrease
spontaneous miscarriages
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#17
electrostimulation
decrease
gastrointestinal problems
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#18
electrostimulation
decrease
respiratory problems
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#19
electrostimulation
decrease
urinary problems
pregnant women
-
advocated for the management of
#20
electrostimulation
increase
promoting a cephalic delivery
pregnant women
-
advocated as useful to help
#21
electrostimulation
increase
induction/augmentation of labour
pregnant women
-
advocated as useful to help
#22
electrostimulation
increase
pain relief
pregnant women
-
advocated as useful to help
#23
electrostimulation
increase
secretion and production of milk
postpartum women
-
said to help
#24
traditional complementary physical interventions
no change
antenatal conditions and labour process
pregnant women
-
failed to show a definite conclusive beneficial role
#25
traditional complementary physical interventions
no change
adverse effects
pregnant women
-
no adverse effects appear to be associated
#26
Abstract

Because of the fear of the use of pharmacological agents, many pregnant women are opting to use alternative management modalities either as primary management or to compliment standard contemporary medical practices. The traditional complementary physical interventions of acupuncture, acupressure, and electrostimulation have a long tradition of use in traditional Chinese medical practice and are advocated for the management of antenatal conditions such as spontaneous miscarriages, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary problems. They have also been advocated as useful to help the process of labour in promoting a cephalic delivery, induction/augmentation of labour and pain relief. Postpartum these modalities have been said to help the secretion and production of milk. While a number of studies, some randomized controlled, have suggested a potential role for these traditional complementary physical interventions, systematic reviews have generally failed to show a definite conclusive beneficial role and all reviews generally suggest the need for further controlled research in the field. Since no adverse effects appear to be associated with the use of these modalities in pregnancy, such modalities of management can be considered but only as an adjuvant to standard pharmacological management after a full clinical assessment has ruled out underlying pathology.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
FemaleHumansPregnancyAcupressureAcupuncture TherapyGynecologyPain ManagementRandomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety90
Efficacy60/10
Quality70/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations1
Citations/Year0.3
Relative Citation Ratio0.23
NIH Percentile11.8%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.25
Weight Score2.10
Normalized Score0.74
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