Labour was induced in 771 pregnant women with a gestation period of 37——44 weeks by electroacupuncture. The points used for acupuncture were Hegu on the hand and Sanyinjiao on the ipsilateral lower leg.A successful rate of 72.11％ was achieved

which was similar to that of pitocin induction

70.34％ in 118 cases.The main factors effecting the re’sults of electroacupuncture induction were the prelabour pelvic scoring status and whether the membranes were ruptured. The successful rate with pelvic scores 7 or greater was significantly higher than that of 6 or lower （P<0.01）. The results of induction are neither correlated to the type of electrical stimulation

nor to pre-induction stripping of the membranes or parity （P>0.05）.The exact mechanism of electroacupuncture induction of labour is not yet clearly understood. Based upon the several types of uterine contraction observed

it may be considered that effects on the uterus is probably not only neural but also hummoral.The biologic actions of progesterone and cortisol in the maintenance of pregnancy and initiation of labour is discussed. No conclusion can be draw n before further investigation is undertaken due to the limited cases with laboratory evaluations.