Acupuncture needle may protect the perineum during childbirth

NCT ID NCT04128033

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether puncturing the RP6 acupuncture point during the pushing phase of labor could reduce perineal tears and increase the chance of an intact perineum after childbirth. 350 women who had never given birth vaginally were randomly assigned to receive either real acupuncture or a placebo puncture. The main goal was to see if the real acupuncture led to fewer injuries.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

acupuncture (puncture of RP6 point)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to reduce perineal injuries during childbirth.

What could go wrong

This is a completed trial with 350 participants, but the intervention is a single acupuncture point, and results may not apply to all women or settings. The placebo effect is also possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Centre Hospitalier Sud Francilien

    Corbeil-Essonnes, 91106, France