Publication Details
Levett, K.,
Smith, C.,
Bensoussan, A.,
&
Dahlen, H.
(2016).
Complementary therapies for labour and birth: A randomized controlled trial of antenatal integrative medicine for pain management in labour.
BMJ Open, 6.
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effect of an antenatal integrative medicine education programme in addition to usual care for nulliparous women on intrapartum epidural use.
Design: Open-label, assessor blind, randomized controlled trial.
Setting: 2 public hospitals in Sydney, Australia.
Population: 176 nulliparous women with low-risk pregnancies, attending hospital-based antenatal clinics.
Methods and intervention: The Complementary Therapies for Labour and Birth protocol, based on the She Births and acupressure for labour and birth courses, incorporated 6 evidence-based complementary medicine techniques: acupressure, visualisation and relaxation, breathing, massage, yoga techniques, and facilitated partner support. Randomisation occurred at 24–36 weeks’ gestation, and participants attended a 2-day antenatal education programme plus standard care, or standard care alone.
Main outcome measures: Rate of analgesic epidural use. Secondary: onset of labour, augmentation, mode of birth, newborn outcomes.
Results:There was a significant difference in epidural use between the 2 groups: study group (23.9%) standard care (68.7%; risk ratio (RR) 0.37 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.55), p≤0.001). The study group participants reported a reduced rate of augmentation (RR=0.54 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.77), p
Conclusions: The Complementary Therapies for Labour and Birth study protocol significantly reduced epidural use and caesarean section. This study provides evidence for integrative medicine as an effective adjunct to antenatal education, and contributes to the body of best practice evidence.
Keywords
complementary medicine, complementary techniques, child birth, labour, Australia
