Patient-reported benefits of acupuncture in pregnancy

As U.S. expenditures on acupuncture treatment rise, so does the need to examine specific acupuncture patient subpopulations because their treatment needs and goals vary. This study focused on treatment benefits reported by former obstetric acupuncture patients, which addresses a critical research gap on subjective patient experiences. Of 265 former clinic patients, 137 (51.7%) completed an internet survey with an open-ended question on treatment benefits. Using standard qualitative analytic strategies, we identified five major themes related to benefits, including, for example, treated chief concerns, helped achieve a desired birth experience, and provided holistic benefit. Identified themes and subthemes spoke to benefits of acupuncture on specific pregnancy symptoms and on the birth process. Clinical and research implications for identified themes, including those related to the birth process and birth setting, are discussed.