ACUPUNCTURE FOR BIRTH PREPARATION AND INDUCTION
PRE-BIRTH ACUPUNCTURE TO SUPPORT LABOUR
Pre-birth Acupuncture involves several treatments in the final weeks of pregnancy to prepare for childbirth and encourage an efficient birth. Also known as Labour Preparation, treatment begins at 36 weeks and continues weekly to full term.
Treatment involves a specific set of points to help prepare your body for birth, ripen the cervix and support mental health.
In addition to helping the body prepare for birth, we use this time to relieve late pregnancy symptoms and help posterior-positioned babies move into the optimal position.
A small 2018 study (1) investigated the effects of acupuncture applied before planned induction in postdate pregnancy. Those receiving acupuncture experienced a higher rate of spontaneous delivery and delivered earlier than controls. The study also found that those receiving acupuncture needed less oxytocin. It hypothesized that acupuncture stimulation can activate a biochemical process optimizing uterine contractility.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR BREECH BABIES
Acupuncture and Moxibustion can encourage optimal positioning. A 2023 Cochrane Systematic Review found evidence that moxibustion (alongside usual care) before 37 weeks of pregnancy reduces the chance of breech presentation and the need for oxytocin (1).
We treat breech presentation with acupuncture and moxibustion between weeks 34 to 36.
At Vessel Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, we work with your primary healthcare team to ensure we provide safe and appropriate care in the case of a breech presentation.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR LABOUR INDUCTION
Unlike a medical induction, our approach with acupuncture does not force the body to do anything it is not ready for.
In the case that a medical induction has been scheduled, a series of three Acupuncture treatments are performed in the 72 hours before the planned induction and around medical interventions like stretch and sweep.
We centre Chinese Medicine wisdom at this time and approach treatment from an energetic as well as physical perspective. In Chinese Medicine, labour commences when four factors occur simultaneously:
The uterus, which has been passive during pregnancy becomes active
Yin growth transforms into Yang activity,
Qi flows freely and moves blood, and
The door of the uterus opens.
“When Qi flows correctly, and the blood circulates well, a harmonious labour follows”
- Debra Betts
It is important to note that only an AHPRA-registered and degree-qualified Acupuncturist should perform acupuncture treatments during pregnancy.
References:
(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29890286/