Bringing new life into the world is a profound and transformative journey that marks the beginning of a beautiful chapter for both parents and the newborn. As the final weeks of pregnancy approach, the prospect of medical induction for post-term pregnancies often looms, accompanied by its associated risks and significant side effects. It’s only natural for expectant parents to opt for complementary and alternative methods to induce labour, all while prioritizing the well-being of both mother and the baby.
When it comes to natural labour induction, acupuncture treatment has long been used for thousands of years in East Asia, especially within the royal families. Labour induction acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, single-use sterile needles into 6 to 8 specific acupoints on the body to promote the free flow of Qi (energy) and Blood, thereby facilitating the opening up of the uterus.
Benefits of Labour Induction Acupuncture
Early studies suggest several advantages of labour induction acupuncture, such as:
- Cervical Softening and Dilation: acupuncture has shown promise in helping to soften and dilate the cervix
- Reduced Medical Induction Rates: Studies by Yip (1976) and Tsuei (1974) report a success rate of 78%-83% in reducing the need for medical induction
- Lowered Labour Pain: acupuncture has been linked to a reduction in labour pain, offering a potential relief for expectant mothers
- Promoting Healthy Postpartum Recovery: acupuncture isn’t just beneficial during labour, but also contributes to a healthier postpartum recovery
Beyond its role in labour induction, acupuncture treatment before labour play a crucial role in the holistic well-being of expectant mothers. These sessions aim to prepare the body for birth, induce relaxation, and alleviate stress and anxiety, ultimately ensuring mothers enter labor in the best possible physical and emotional state.
Moreover, even in cases where labour does not commence spontaneously, feedback from those who underwent acupuncture induction treatment suggests a more effective labour following medical induction, often requiring less intervention when compared to women without prior acupuncture treatment.
Timing and Frequency in Labour Induction Acupuncture
For those considering labour induction acupuncture treatment, the timing and frequency of treatment become crucial. While every pregnancy is unique, we recommend starting pre-birth treatment once a week, from weeks 36-37 until delivery, and/or scheduling acupuncture induction sessions 2 to 3 times a week, around weeks 38-39 or prior to a planned medical induction.
Labour Induction Acupuncture at West End Women’s Health
Our dedicated team of registered acupuncturists at West End Women’s Health is committed to providing personalized care, with a focus on pregnancy and postpartum support as you embark on your journey into motherhood. We recognize the importance of a gentle and effective approach to childbirth, and our labor induction acupuncture services offer expectant mothers a comprehensive strategy for an enriching birthing experience.
Book an appointment with us today and experience the full spectrum of benefits through our labour induction acupuncture services at West End Women’s Health. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
