Feasibility study of the acupuncture-assisted epidural anesthesia in labor analgesia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the acupuncture-assisted epidural anesthesia in labor analgesia.

MethodsOne hundred primipara, excluding dystocia and epidural puncture taboo, were randomly divided into group A(PCEA group) and group B(acupuncture combined with PCEA group).The pain scores and other indicators of labor process in two groups were recorded, and the serum levels of β-endorphin and 5-HT were detected in two groups in different time-points.

ResultsAfter analgesia(orifice of the uterus opening 10 cm), the serum levels of β-endorphin and 5-HT and pain score decreased compared with before analgesia(orifice of the uterus opening 3 cm) (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).After analgesia, the serum level of 5-HT and pain score in group A were lower than those in group B(P < 0.01), and the difference of the serum level of β-endorphin was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The time of active stage, time of the second labor and blood loss in group A were higher than those in group B (P < 0.01), and the time of the third labor in group A was lower than that in group B(P < 0.01).The differences of the cesarean section rate, forceps rate and neonatal score were not statistically significant between two groups(P>0.05).

ConclusionsThe acupuncture-assisted epidural anesthesia combined with PCEA for labor analgesia is safe and effective.