Third Stage of Labor and Acupuncture

Abstract

Acupuncture use in obstetrics has been increasing in Western medicine, especially to alleviate complications of pregnancy, the most important cause of maternal mortality worldwide. One quarter of maternal deaths are caused by complications in the third stage of labor, an interval between complete delivery of the baby and the complete expulsion of the placenta. This review analyzes the increased acupuncture use for pregnancy complications as a potential method of reducting maternal mortality during the third stage of labor. This overview focuses on acupuncture points and techniques to manage the third stage of labor and help patients with retained placentas. Passive (or expectant) management of the third stage of labor is occasionally associated with massive obstetric hemorrhage, a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-income countries. Active management of the third stage of labor has been shown to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Use of acupuncture in the first and second stages of labor could lead to a faster separation of the placenta in the third stage of labor. The possible effects of acupuncture in cases of retained placentas may have significant implications for possible complications and final outcomes of labor. Further studies are needed for more conclusive results.

The Placenta–An Undervalued Miracle

“…Even third stage itself has been widely discussed recently, especially in relationship to postpartum hemorrhage. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may be a method to avoid or treat retained placentae (Djakovic et al., ). And based on observations that animal consume their own placentae, some women are consuming capsules of their dried placentae to promote maternal health and lactation, although a review suggests little has been reported on either benefits or risks of this phenomenon (Coyle et al., ).…”