Comparing the Effects of Acupressure at the Hugo Point and Hyoscine on the Duration of Labor Stages and Fetal-neonatal Outcomes in Nulliparous Women: A Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: The shortened duration of labor without creating major complications is considered ideal for the mother and infant while prolonged labor is accompanied by maternal and fetal consequences. Considering its importance, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of acupressure at the Hugo point and hyoscine on the duration of labor stages and fetal-neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women. Methods: This controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted on 162 nulliparous women who referred to Ardabil Sabalan Hospital in 2017. Participants were divided into Hugo acupressure, hyoscine, and control groups by means of randomized blocks, each containing 54 nulliparous women. In the Hugo group, the pressure exerted on the Hugo point at 5 cm dilatation and in the hyoscine group, the hyoscine was injected intramuscularly at 5 cm dilatation. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher exact, and chi-square tests. Results: The mean (SD) duration of the active phase of labor was 137.0 (15.1), 143.3 (172), and 187.7 (24.7) minutes in the Hugo, hyoscine, and control groups, respectively. In addition, the mean (SD) duration of the second stage of labor in the above-mentioned groups was 39.5 (8.5), 52.4 (15.0), and 58.3 (8.7) minutes, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, the implementation of acupressure at the Hugo point led to a greater reduction in the duration of labor stages compared to hyoscine infusion without imposing the side-effects on mother.