Ear Acupuncture for Childbirth

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This is a study evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of ear acupuncture for the management of pain and anxiety in early labor.

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for pregnant individuals experiencing early labor who are interested in managing pain and anxiety. It's important that participants have not had any complications with their pregnancy.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 or older, speak Spanish or English, am 37+ weeks pregnant with one baby, and in early labor.

Exclusion Criteria

I am 18 or older, speak English or Spanish, not in advanced labor, have a single, full-term pregnancy, haven't used morphine or nitrous oxide recently, and have no ear disorders or allergies to adhesives.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Ear Acupuncture (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study is testing the use of ear acupuncture, specifically placing an acupuncture needle on an adhesive applied to the ear, to see if it helps reduce pain and anxiety during early labor.

Participant Groups

Group I: Auricular Acupunture Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this arm will undergo treatment with the 5 Needle Protocol of Auricular Acupuncture

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this arm will undergo treatment with small adhesives without needles placed in the same configuration as the 5 Needle Protocol

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

Lead Sponsor

Trials

119

Recruited

59,200+

Shannon Sullivan

Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

Chief Executive Officer since 2020

Executive Master’s degree in Healthcare Leadership from Brown University, Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College

Dr. Lisa Rameaka

Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

Chief Medical Officer

MD from Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, MBA from the University of Massachusetts