Rev Fr Gynecol Obstet. 1985 Jan; 80(1): 25-31.

[Acupuncture in obstetrics]

Collet D, Chameaud J, Baudet JH, Bossy J.

Acupuncture has been used in China as a treatment modality for one thousand years and is becoming increasingly important in the western world. Through a special effect on the reticular formation, acupuncture is becoming a first choice among the various methods available to relieve pain, especially in the pregnant woman. It can be useful, in fact, during the three periods of a pregnancy: before delivery: it can effect all the functional and psychiatric problems a pregnant woman may develop; during delivery: there is a definite analgesic and oxytocic effect; after delivery: it can be beneficial in all difficulties with breast feeding. Acupoints used in obstetrics are not very numerous. There are approximately thirty which are located along the body meridians or on the ear.