Birth Preparation Acupuncture
Birth Preparaton Acupuncture involves a series of weekly acupuncture sessions in the third trimester typically starting around 36 weeks. However, can be started slightly earlier or later based on your indvidual circumstances. Birth Prepatation Acupuncture is based around several clinic studies that showed acupuncture before onset of labour include the following positive effects;
For example in one study the acupuncture group comparing all caregivers (including midwives, GP’s and specialists) there was an overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for women having their first baby this was a 43% reduction) and a 31% reduction in the epidural rate. When comparing midwifery only care there was a 32% reduction in emergency caesarean delivery and a 9 % increase in normal vaginal births. There was no statistical difference in the onset of early labour in those women receiving prebirth acupuncture (1).
Most recent observationally study in New Zealand has suggested that women who received Acupuncture in their last 4 weeks of pregnancy had a third less the number of medical inductions, epidurals and emergency caesareans compare to local population rates (3).
How effective is Acupuncture for preparation for birth?
Brith Preparation Acupuncture is currently being used routinely in hospitals in China and Germany with positive results. Feedback on research studies show participants reporting a range of positive effects beyond reportsing including reduced time in labour and midwifes reporting a reduce rate of medical internevntion (2). We also hear positive feedback from our participants and local midwives who often recommend Acupunctrue at our clinic. However, like all natural treatments we can never gaureentee results and your individual circumstances are always taken into account.
Can you assist with other common complaints?
Yes! It is actually quiet common for women to also have other complaints treated, for example lower back pain or hip pain while recieveing Birth Preparation Acupuncture. We recommend discussing with your practitioner.
Induction Acupuncture
Acupuncture labour induction aim to assist the onset of labour through boosting natural endorphins, oxytoxin, relaxing muscles and sinews, as well as assisting in cervical ripening. Clinical studies suggest that Acupuncture may assist for those wanting to avoid post-date medical induction and/ or increase a women’s receptivity to administration of vaginal prostaglandin (4).
Potential Benefits
- Stimulate cervical ripening
- Reduce the need for medical induction
- Shorten the duration of labour
- Non-pharmacological, considered safe and very little risk
- May promote relaxation and reduce anxiety
- Might help align the body hormonally and physically for labour
We recommend viewing the following research summary article HERE
Other recommended therapies
Alongside Acupuncture many women find the following helpful during the lead up to birth;
- Acupressure; Debra Betts website leading Acupuncturist & Midwife located in New Zealand has amazing videos and printable acupressure guides, as well as APP available
- Raspberry leaf tea
- Dates
- Massage
- Chiropractic
For more information see our blog article located HERE
