Here at our Village Remedies clinic in Balmain, we use traditional acupuncture to help prepare the body for labour. The aim of our acupuncture sessions is never to force a baby to come before they’re ready but instead to prepare the body for labour by promoting cervical ripening, relieving tension and anxiety and promoting the production of oxytocin to promote smoother and faster labour. If your body is relaxed, it’s more likely to feel it is a safe time to give birth and therefore produce the hormone oxytocin, which is the main hormone responsible for stimulating contractions.
When your doctor and/or midwife give the all-clear, we start incorporating specific acupuncture points, which were traditionally used to encourage labour. These points are deliberately avoided during the main part of pregnancy because of their strong association with bringing on labour.
Typically we like to see expecting mothers weekly from 36 weeks onwards, as the effects are accumulative. From 40 weeks, we want to do these acupuncture treatments for labour as often as possible to give you the best chance of going into natural labour. Getting bub to come is like bringing water to boil —, we have to have the right heat and time for it. Each time we do the treatment, we’re turning up the heat by stimulating the release of the necessary hormones and relaxing the body. That’s why we recommend treatments as frequently as daily from 40 weeks to give you the best shot at reaching that boiling point before induction is offered. However, it is important to remember that not everyone will go into natural labour before an induction is offered and that is totally okay. Acupuncture treatments are designed to support a smoother labour, whether naturally or medically induced, and may even help shorten the induction process or require fewer interventions for your body to initiate contractions.
Unlocking Labour Success: The Objectives of Acupuncture Preparation for Childbirth
Relaxing Hips and pelvic floor for Smooth birth
Acupuncture promotes flexibility and mobility in the hips and joints, essential for a smooth passage of the baby through the birth canal. By targeting specific points, it can enhance pelvic floor function, aiding in a more comfortable and efficient birth.
Prompting Cervical Ripening and Dilation
Acupuncture techniques can stimulate the body to ripen and dilate the cervix naturally, facilitating the progression of labour. This natural approach can be particularly beneficial for those seeking to avoid medical interventions during childbirth.
Encouraging Baby Engagement in the Pelvis
Acupuncture encourages the baby to engage in the pelvis, optimising the birthing position and may reduce the likelihood of posterior presentations, which can lead to longer and more challenging labours.
Reducing Stress Hormones and Promoting Oxytocin Production
By reducing stress hormones and promoting the production of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for contractions, acupuncture helps create a more conducive environment for labour to progress smoothly.
Relaxing Muscles for Optimal Positioning
Acupuncture can relax muscles, allowing the baby to get into a good position for birth. This can be especially helpful in cases where the baby’s position may be suboptimal, potentially reducing the need for interventions later in labour.
Acupressure for Labour Sessions
In addition to acupuncture, acupressure techniques can be used during labour sessions. We encourage partners to join these sessions to learn how to provide supportive touch and pressure to enhance comfort and promote progress during labour.
Considerations for Induction
If you’re considering labour induction, acupuncture may help decrease the interventions needed and potentially shorten the induction process. It’s important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your unique situation.
Visit our webpage for more information on acupressure for labour sessions and how involving your partner can enhance your birthing experience
Sensations You May Experience During Acupuncture for Labour
During your acupuncture session, you may experience a gentle, dull sensation or a light tingling feeling around the treatment points. Many patients describe a sense of warmth or heaviness in the area, which is a natural response as your body begins to relax.
Everyone’s experience is unique, and it’s important to communicate with your practitioner throughout your session. Your feedback helps our Balmain and Sydney acupuncturists ensure you receive the full benefits of your session and feel fully supported on your journey towards childbirth.
Acupuncture for Labour Recommendations
As a rough guide, these are the recommendations we make to give us the best chance of helping you initiate a natural labour:
- Starting acupuncture around 36 weeks – weekly acupuncture until week 38 weeks and then twice weekly till 40 weeks (assuming you have no major pain or issues that need more symptomatic relief), then every two to three days after 40 weeks.
- Starting acupuncture around 38 weeks – twice weekly acupuncture until week 40, then every two to three days.
- Starting acupuncture around week 40 or with an induction date already scheduled – acupuncture as often as daily if possible, or at least every two to three days.
Explore Acupuncture for Labour Induction with Village Remedies
For a more in-depth breakdown of what to expect from a labour induction treatment at Village Remedies, read our blog post Can Acupuncture Help For Lower Back Pain? Or for more information about labour induction or pregnancy support, please contact us or book online.
We also strongly recommend acupressure for you to continue turning the heat up at home to encourage labour. It can also be a useful tool for reducing pain when labour does begin.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can address your health needs, feel free to reach out or discover the different conditions we can help with.
