A systematic review published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology finds that both acupuncture and self-hypnosis are effective, non-drug pain management strategies for use during labor and birth.

The team looked at 14 trials involving over 1,500 women randomized into groups who used pharmacologic (drug) pain management, no treatment, a placebo treatment, and an alternative pain management strategy such as self-hypnosis or acupuncture.

They found that women receiving acupuncture are less likely to feel that they need/want drugs for pain relief during labor, including epidural, and may have a lowered need for oxytocin. They also found that hypnosis reduces the need/want for drugs including epidrual and improves maternal satisfaction with the birth experience. Acupuncture may also result in higher rates of vaginal birth and less use of oxytocin.

Interestingly enough, no statistically significant evidence was found of benefits from acupressure, aromatherapy, massage, relaxation, or audio-analgesia. However, those trials were few and quite small in scope - So we can't rule out benefits from these practices just yet!