Enhancing Birthing Experiences by Reducing Labour Duration: The Role of Acupressure
Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound journey, and the birthing experience holds immense significance for expectant mothers. Recent insights from a meta-analysis delving into thirteen studies have illuminated a remarkable aspect of holistic care—acupressure's transformative influence on labour and birth outcomes.
Acupressure, an ancient practice rooted in stimulating specific pressure points on the body, emerged as a beacon of hope for expectant mothers seeking an optimised birthing experience. The meta-analysis showcased acupressure's pivotal role in significantly increasing the likelihood of achieving a vaginal birth. In fact, when compared to a placebo or no intervention, acupressure increased the odds of a vaginal birth by an impressive 2.3 times (Makvandi et al., 2016).
Yet, acupressure extends its influence beyond delivery probabilities, significantly impacting the duration of labour. This study also showed notable reduction in the active labour phase by an average of 1.3 hours (Makvandi et al., 2016). This remarkable accomplishment not only accelerates the birthing process but also presents expectant mothers with a potential moment of relief amid this transformative journey.
Furthermore, the meta-analysis revealed another fascinating facet—acupressure's role in shortening the second stage of labour by approximately 5.8 minutes (Makvandi et al., 2016). These seemingly subtle increments bear tremendous significance, potentially contributing to smoother and more manageable birthing experiences.
The comprehensive meta-analysis by Makvandi et al. (2016) serves as a testament to acupressure's potential to not only enhance the likelihood of achieving a vaginal birth but also significantly expedite labour. It offers an avenue for expectant mothers to navigate the birthing process with increased empowerment and potential comfort.
Acupressure, a non-invasive and ancient therapeutic modality, unveils a promising opportunity for expectant mothers and their caregivers. It underscores the synergy between traditional wisdom and modern insights, highlighting the potential for holistic approaches in optimising birthing experiences.
As we embrace the marvels of holistic care, acupressure stands as a beacon—a gentle yet potent tool in the hands of those journeying through the sacred path of childbirth.
At Village Remedies, our labour preparation acupuncture sessions actively encourage birth partners to participate. This involvement allows us to demonstrate the locations and explain the functions of acupressure points relevant to labour, offering valuable information and guidance.
References
Makvandi, S., Mirzaiinajmabadi, K., Sadeghi, R., Mahdavian, M. and Karimi, L. (2016) 'Meta-analysis of the effect of acupressure on duration of labour and mode of delivery', International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 135(1), pp.5-10