Effects of self-acupressure on pregnancy-related constipation: A single-blind randomized controlled study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to demonstrate that acupressure could be used to relieve the symptoms of constipation during pregnancy. DesignSingle-blind randomized controlled trial SettingPrivate Medipol Nisa Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey InterventionThis trial including 120 women aged ≥20 years was conducted from November 2019 to February 2020. The participating women who were in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd trimester of their pregnancy, had singleton pregnancy and had a complaint of constipation were randomized into the acupressure (n = 75) and control groups (n = 75). The women in the acupressure group applied 15 min of self-acupressure to the TH-6 acupuncture point twice a day for one week. The women in the control group received no intervention treatment. Main outcome measuresConstipation levels of the participants in the two groups were assessed before and after the procedure using the Constipation Severity Instrument ResultsIn the present study, after the application of self-acupressure, the severity of constipation decreased significantly in the acupressure group compared to the control group (before treatment: 41.36 ± 6.5 vs. 37.56 ± 6.17 respectively, after treatment: 26.08 ± 7.93 vs. 36.88 ± 5.93, respectively, p < 0.01) ConclusionAlthough it is safe to use medical drugs in constipation associated with pregnancy, can't reduce it to the extent desired. This study's evidence indicates that self-administered acupressure can effectively alleviate the symptoms of constipation in clinical practice.