Acupuncture for the induction of labour: a double-blind randomised controlled study

Abstract

Sir, Robert Fraser1 finds our effort to conduct a randomised controlled trial on acupuncture for the induction of labour a waste of energy. His argument is based only on a quotation from 2002 by Dr Renckens.2 We therefore find another quotation from the same issue of BJOG appropriate, this one by Dr Zeisler and Dr Husslein.3 It states that, ‘acupuncture in obstetrics is drug-free, clinically effective and cost-effective’. Furthermore, the recent conclusion by Dr Smith and Dr Cochrane4 justifies further studies on acupuncture. It states that, ‘evidence is beginning to consolidate that acupuncture may assist with the management of some complaints during pregnancy. However, definitive conclusions about its effectiveness cannot be reached and further research is therefore justified.’