Effect of Spleen 6 Point Acupressure on Severity of Labor Pain, Duration of Labor, and Women's Satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION

Severe and unmanageable labor pain can adversely affect maternal and neonatal outcomes. Among non-pharmacological methods, acupressure is increasingly recognized for its intrapartum benefits; however, further supportive evidence is needed.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effect of spleen 6 point (SP6) acupressure on the severity of labor pain, duration of labor, and women's satisfaction.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was employed. The intervention was applied to 96 parturient women in a governmental hospital, following specific inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire, a visual analogue pain scale, an observational checklist for labor progress, and a satisfaction assessment tool.

RESULTS

The intensity of labor pain decreased following the application of SP6 acupressure across different stages of cervical dilation. Most participants experienced a shorter duration of both the active phase and second stage of labor compared to standardized references. Additionally, the majority of women reported satisfaction with the intervention.

CONCLUSION

SP6 acupressure could appear to be an effective non-pharmacological method for reducing the labor pain and could short the labor duration. It was also associated with a high level of maternal satisfaction.