Key Finding
Global labor and postpartum pain research is dominated by high-income countries (particularly the United States with 388 publications), with low- and middle-income countries severely underrepresented despite bearing disproportionate maternal morbidity burdens.
Researchers analyzed 25 years of global scientific studies on managing pain during childbirth and after delivery to understand what has been studied and where research gaps exist. They examined thousands of published papers from 80 countries between 2000 and 2025, looking at both medication-based approaches like epidural anesthesia and non-medication methods including acupuncture and massage. The study found that most research comes from wealthy countries, particularly the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, while low- and middle-income countries—where most births occur and maternal health challenges are greatest—remain severely underrepresented. Three main research themes emerged: the psychological and physical aspects of labor pain, pharmaceutical pain relief methods, and patient-centered care approaches. Importantly, the research landscape is shifting toward recognizing that effective pain management must address not just physical pain but also psychological, cultural, and social factors. For pregnant individuals considering acupuncture for labor pain, this analysis confirms it is an established area of scientific interest within non-pharmacological pain management, though the study highlights that more research is needed from diverse populations and settings to ensure all birthing people have access to evidence-based, culturally respectful pain relief options. If you're considering acupuncture for labor or postpartum pain, seek a licensed acupuncturist with specific training and experience in perinatal care.
This bibliometric analysis of Web of Science Core Collection data (2000-2025) mapped global research patterns in labor and postpartum pain management using VOSviewer software with fractional counting methodology. Among 80 identified countries, analysis focused on 36 meeting inclusion criteria (≥5 documents, ≥50 citations). The United States dominated with 388 publications, 5,412 citations, and highest collaboration intensity (total link strength=1,026). Network analysis identified three core thematic clusters: psychological/physiological pain dimensions, pharmacological interventions (primarily epidural analgesia), and patient-centered experiential care. Keyword co-occurrence mapping revealed acupuncture and massage as established non-pharmacological modalities within the research landscape. Critical findings include marked underrepresentation of low- and middle-income countries and evidence of paradigm shift toward interdisciplinary, equity-informed models. Clinical takeaway: Contemporary evidence-based labor pain management increasingly integrates non-pharmacological interventions including acupuncture within multimodal, culturally sensitive frameworks, though significant research gaps persist in underrepresented populations.
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