Effects of Acupuncture on Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnant Women
Author Information
Author(s): Elden Helen, Ostgaard Hans-Christian, Fagevik-Olsen Monika, Ladfors Lars, Hagberg Henrik
Primary Institution: Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Hypothesis
Does acupuncture have adverse effects on pregnancy, mother, delivery, and the fetus/neonate compared to standard treatment and stabilising exercises?
Conclusion
Acupuncture led to minor adverse complaints from mothers but had no severe adverse effects on pregnancy, delivery, or the fetus/neonate.
Supporting Evidence
- Minor adverse events were common in the acupuncture group.
- Women rated acupuncture favourably despite minor adverse effects.
- CTG analyses during acupuncture were all normal.
- No serious adverse events were reported in any treatment group.
- Acupuncture did not increase the rate of preterm delivery.
Takeaway
Acupuncture can help pregnant women with pelvic pain, and while some mothers felt minor discomfort, it didn't harm them or their babies.
Methodology
Controlled, single-blind trial with random assignment to three treatment groups over 6 weeks.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported adverse events and treatment satisfaction.
Limitations
The study was not powered to fully exclude negative effects on preterm delivery and perinatal morbidity.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 12-31 weeks of gestation with pelvic girdle pain, mean age around 30 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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