Use of acupuncture for managing chronic pelvic pain in pregnancy. A case report.

BACKGROUND

Chronic pelvic pain is a health problem that affects many reproductive-age women. During reproduction the dilemma is even more challenging. The growing uterus often exacerbates pain, and treatment is limited by the effect on the fetus. A multispecialty approach and alternative medicine are often effective. Recently, the FDA announced the use of acupuncture and acupressure as officially recognized modalities for treatment of chronic pain in oncology patients.

CASE

Chronic pelvic pain in a 23 year-old primigravida at 27 weeks' gestation was incapacitating on narcotics. After organic causes were ruled out, acupuncture was employed successfully. Outpatient management for the duration of the pregnancy included acupuncture and narcotics for breakthrough pain while maintaining activities of daily living. Spontaneous vaginal delivery without complications at 38 5/7 weeks produced a 3,305-g female infant. The pain resolved immediately following delivery.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates the benefit of combined allopathic with alternative forms of medicine. With the use of acupuncture, narcotic use was limited in this gravida while adding to her quality of life by allowing her to maintain normal activity.