2025, Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part A

author(s)
Marlene Peter, Varsha Hariharan and Prachi Awasthi

abstract
Labor pain is one of the most intense experiences for women, influenced by coping abilities, environment, and psychosocial factors. To explore safe non-pharmacological options, a quasi-experimental study was conducted in selected hospitals of Indore to assess the effectiveness of acupressure therapy (Li4 point) on labor pain and cervical dilatation during the first stage of labor. Thirty parturients were selected through purposive sampling, with the experimental group receiving Li4 acupressure during contractions and the control group receiving routine care. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Pain Assessment Scale and Modified Fordyce Pain Behavior Scale, while cervical dilatation was observed using the WHO simplified partograph. Results revealed that acupressure significantly reduced labor pain (t28=4.25, t28=5.42), enhanced cervical dilatation (t28=2.9), and shortened labor duration (t28=3.12). The study concluded that Li4 acupressure therapy is an effective, simple, and beneficial technique for improving maternal outcomes during labor.