Labor Preparation

Acupuncture for Labor Preparation and Labor Induction

One of our favorite types of treatments we do as acupuncturists is to prepare a pregnant woman for labor. It is such a powerful time in a woman’s life as she stands on the precipice of motherhood. It is often a very emotional time because she is about to embark on a very new, very personal journey, and there are so many unknown factors waiting for her down that road.

Labor preparation isn’t only about supporting the onset of labor, it’s about supporting the mother-to-be physically, emotionally, and spiritually as she makes her transition into motherhood.

We generally prefer to see our patients throughout their entire pregnancies so that we can monitor their health and their bodies through the different stages of pregnancy. From our experience, women have much better, more positive labor and delivery outcomes when they receive regular, on-going acupuncture care. Labors tend to be quicker to progress, shorter in duration, and fewer interventions are needed.

Of course, there are often cases when we meet women in their 40th week of pregnancy that need our help too, and we are always happy to help at any stage.

Acupuncture for Labor Preparation Program

The Labor preparation program work can begin at 34-36 weeks. Appointments are scheduled weekly, until a women goes into labor. Treatments are tailored to each woman through assessing where her body is within the spectrum of cervical dilation, positioning of the baby, and contractions. Generally, the first treatment focuses on the positioning of the baby and reducing stress and/or anxiety. Treatments will then build towards labor, focusing on ripening the cervix, preparing to prevent or minimize tearing, cervical dilation, increasing uterine contractions, helping baby to descend, and encouraging your body to have a healthy and smooth labor, while maintaining proper position and relaxation.

Acupuncture for Labor Induction

Acupuncture is a safe and gentle way to nudge the body into labor. Just like mentioned above, induction treatments work with the therapeutic points that dilate the cervix, increase uterine contractions, relax the mother to be, moves the baby down, and helps with optimal positioning.

Acupuncture treatments for labor induction generally occur between 38-41 weeks. Treatments can range from 1-5 times per week. At this time our focus is on preparing the mother for birth, both physically and emotionally, and encouraging the natural progression of a smooth and natural labor.