The effect of acupressure on pain reduction during first stage of labour: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Acupressure, as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has shown promise as an effective method of pain relief in labour and birth. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to critically assess the effect of acupressure on pain reduction during first stage of labour. Five major electronic databases were searched in November 2018 to screen English articles. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupressure with placebo and/or no intervention were selected. Intensity of labour pain was considered for primary outcome and pooled analysis. Ten RCTs were included in this review. LI4 and SP6 were the most commonly used acupoints. At the active and transitional phase, acupressure significantly reduced labour pain when compared to placebo (pooled MD -1.91; 95% CI -2.73,-1.08; pooled MD -3.03; 95% CI -5.03,-1.02, respectively). Acupressure was also superior to no intervention group at the active (pooled MD -3.00; 95% CI -3.88,-2.13) and transitional phase (pooled MD -2.03; 95% CI -3.72,-0.35). Acupressure can provide significant pain relief during first stage of labour. However, further clinical trials with standardized intervention procedures are required for the creation of evidence-based guidelines. •Acupressure is an effective method of pain reduction during first stage of labour.•Acupressure appears to be a safe method for the mother and the foetus.•More standardized acupressure trials are needed for the creation of evidence-based guidelines.