HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by TSUEI, J. J. Articles by SHARMA, S. D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by TSUEI, J. J. Articles by SHARMA, S. D.

The Influence of Acupuncture Stimulation During Pregnancy

The Induction and Inhibition of Labor

From the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology tit the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, and at Maternity Child Center, Veteran's General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Republic of China

Abstract

Uterine response to electroacupuncture stimulation of specific sites of the extremities is demonstrated in 60 pregnant women— 48 cases for labor induction and 12 cases for inhibition of premature labor. In the 34 term, post-term, and 7 intrauterine fetal death cases, induction of labor was attempted; in 32 cases delivery was achieved, resulting in a success rate of 78%. In 7 cases of midterm abortion attempts, all failed to respond. Of the 12 cases of premature labor, with the exception of 1 case, all carried the pregnancy to term, resulting in a success rate of 91.6%. Based on these clinical observations, electroacupuncture may become a useful tool in controlling labor. The possible mechanism of action is discussed. Further investigation and standardization of this technique is proposed.