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Electroacupuncture during labour and its effect on peripheral plasma betaendorphin concentration
Shalev E, Yanay N, Peleg D, Yagudin E
American Journal of Acupuncture 1991;19(4):345-348
clinical trial
4/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

The pain and stress of labor is known to increase maternal levels of plasma beta-endorphin. Various forms of analgesia have been shown to block this increase. Electroacupuncture also provides pain relief and a tranquilizing effect in mothers during active labor. Plasma beta-endorphin levels were determined in 13 women receiving no analgesia. The control group that received no analgesia showed the expected rise in beta-endorphin levels. No increase in beta-endorphin levels was seen in women receiving electroacupuncture. These results may suggest that the electroacupuncture effect is not mediated by an increase in plasma beta-endorphin levels or that women in labor are resistant to the releasing effects of stimulation because of endogenous opioid system is already activated.

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