Preparing for Labour with Acupuncture
Whether you’ve had difficult deliveries in the past or this is your first pregnancy, the anticipation of labour can be accompanied by a mix of excitement and anxiety. Many pregnancies progress without issue, but others require intervention to prepare for and initiate labour.
While some women seek medical interventions like synthetic hormones, the ancient practice of acupuncture is a natural and proven method for regulating the hormones essential in preparing the body for childbirth.
How Acupuncture can help:
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to promote balance within the body and it is a proven method to help prepare a woman for labour. Starting at 37 weeks needling specific acupuncture points can help relax pelvic floor ligaments and tendons, boost the immune system, increase the flow of energy (Qi), and reduce the physical and emotional stress that often accompanies late stage pregnancies.
Research shows women who have undergone cervical ripening treatments prior to delivery benefit from reduced labour time, improved cervical dilation, and less pain during delivery!
Cervical Ripening:
Cervical Ripening refers to the softening of the tissue of the cervix. A “ripe” cervix is more likely to thin out and dilate in preparation for delivery. Cervical ripening typically happens without intervention, but some women may experience substantial delays causing physical and emotional stress for the mother and potentially raising the risk of some health problems for her baby.
Acupuncture and Labour Induction:
At 41 weeks, or one week past the due date, acupuncture can be safely and successfully used to induce labour. Using points that stimulate the secretion of oxytocin, and stimulate contractions acupuncture can promote labour. A very specific protocol using electro-acupuncture has shown to be more effective than manual acupuncture with results within 24 hours or sooner!
As well, acupuncture can address conditions effecting labour like malposition of the fetus.
Symptom Management in Early Pregnancy:
Acupuncture can be a valuable treatment for supporting overall maternal well-being. It can help with morning sickness, back pain, sciatica, and stress as well as lactation post birth.
Case In Point:
22 years ago, I was 17 days past the due date with my second child. I was at the hospital just minutes away from being medically induced when I had a change of heart. I left the hospital, called my acupuncturist, and made an appointment. 10 hours later I was in labour, and in just over 24 hours I had delivered a healthy baby girl without any of the complications of my first child.
Resources
Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
