Acupuncture use for pre-birth treatment. A literature review and audit-based research

Traditionally acupuncture at four points, Yanglingquan GB-34, Zusanli ST-36, Sanyinjiao SP-6 and Zhiyin BL-67, has been used for pre-birth treatments (Maciocia and West (eds.), Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth, Churchill Livingston, New York, 2000, pp. 559-575, Chapter 44). These points are specifically used to prepare the woman's body for birth, with an emphasis on preparing the cervix and pelvis for labour. Midwives in one District Health Board region in New Zealand who have had basic training in acupuncture techniques have been providing treatments for their clients prior to the estimated delivery date (EDD). A retrospective audit of the midwives practicing this technique was conducted to cover a 12-month period and a decrease in medical inductions and caesarean sections compared to the overall maternity report figures was apparent. The research was further informed by a literature review. This paper discusses both the audit and the literature review.