OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture for the relief of pain during the active phase of labor and prove that it could reduce use of oxytocin.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.

POPULATION: 50 patients who were admitted in the hospital charity ward from February 2007 to March 2008.

METHODS: This study compared patients in the initial phase of active labor (cervical dilatation 4-5 cms) who were given electro-acupuncture (group A) and those who did not receive any the Universal Assessment Tool was done by the patient herself and another independent observer. At 7 cms dilatation, patients in both groups who had Pain Scale of 7 and above were given 50 mg Meperidine. Oxytocin augmentation was given if there was protracted labor.

RESULTS: There was lower Mean Pain Scale (5.48 ± 0.82) in the acupuncture group  compared to the control group (7.6 ± 0.76). Meperidine was given compared to 4% of the acupuncture group and 72% of the control group. Oxytocin was given to 36% of the acupuncture group and 64% of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: Electro-acupuncture during labor reduced  the requirement for systemic analgesia and oxytocin augmentation. During the observation period, Group A patients were noted to be more relaxed compared to group B. The procedure was safe as there were no observed undesirable maternal and feral complications.