Nálastungur við grindarverkjum á meðgöngu

Abstract

Objectives: Pelvic pain is a common symptom among pregnant women and few effective treatments are available. This study was conducted to pilot test and assess the effect of acupuncture as a pain relief for pelvic pain during pregnancy; to develop an evaluation form and questionnaire to assess the effect of acupuncture and finally to explore women's experience of the treatment. Methods: This pilot study was a prospective experimental design. The sample consisted of twenty women that received acupuncture for pelvic pain during the second half of pregnancy. The treatment was provided by midwives twice a week for four weeks. The women evaluated their pain on the VAS scale and answered three questionnaires over the research period to assess their well-being and the treatment's effect. Two to six weeks after the treatment a qualitative method was used to explore women's experience of acupuncture. Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight of the participants. Results: The results show that there was a significant reduction of pain using the VAS scale when comparing the last treatment with the first one (p=0,022). The treatment reduced the pelvic pain of 72% (n=13) of the women, 66% (n=12) stated that their mobility improved, and 47% (n=8) felt that their ability to perform daily activities improved. The interviews strengthen these findings and the women gave positive comments about the acupuncture. Conclusion: Acupuncture appears to reduce pelvic pain and improve the mobility, sleep and ability to perform daily activities of women with pelvic pain during pregnancy. The treatment is in accordance with the holistic approach of midwifery during antenatal care. This study encourages further implementation and supports ongoing development of acupuncture for pelvic pain during pregnancy.