The Effect Of Neiguan Point (P6) Acupressure On Anxiety And Intensity Of Labor Pain In Primiparous Women

Abstract

Background and Objective: Reducing the mother's pain, anxiety, and worry before and during childbirth results in a more pleasant childbirth experience and improved cooperation of the mother. This study assessed the impact of Neiguan point (P6) acupressure on anxiety and pain intensity in primiparous women experiencing a normal delivery.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 70 primiparous pregnant women at Torbat Heydariyeh Nohome Dei Teaching Hospital. Participants were assigned to intervention and control groups. To perform acupressure, the women wore the wristband from their entrance into the delivery room until delivery. After delivery, the two groups filled out the Spielberger questionnaire. Moreover, both groups completed the manifest anxiety scale in three stages and the visual pain scale in four stages. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20. In accordance with the research objectives, the statistical tests Kolmogorov-Smirnov, independent t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance, Wilcoxon, and two-time comparison tests were utilized.

Findings: According to the statistical analysis, the mean anxiety scores of the two groups prior to the intervention were not significantly different (p = 0.70). Nevertheless, they demonstrated a significant difference immediately after the intervention (p <0.001) and two hours after the intervention (p <0.001), with the control group achieving a higher score than the intervention group. This indicates that the intervention during childbirth is associated with decreased anxiety. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference (p <0.05) in pain intensity at consecutive times between the two groups, and there was a reduction in pain by intervening during childbirth.

Conclusion: In primiparous women, acupressure at point P6 is effective at reducing pain intensity and manifest anxiety. Consequently, physicians, nurses, and midwives are encouraged to use acupressure at point P6 during childbirth.