As an acupuncturist, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work is supporting women through the transformative journey of pregnancy. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with many expectant mothers in the lead-up to labour. This time can be exciting, yet filled with physical and emotional challenges.
Whether you’re looking for relief from physical discomfort or simply need a space to relax and connect with your baby, my role is to help you feel supported and confident as your due date approaches.
What is Prebirth Acupuncture?
Generally, prebirth acupuncture is recommended once a week from 36/37 weeks of pregnancy, depending on your circumstances and twice weekly if you go past your estimated due date. The acupuncture sessions are gentle and supportive, designed to help women feel prepared and balanced as they approach labour.
I often follow Debra Betts (1) guidelines, however as every pregnancy is different, treatment is tailored to meet your specific needs.
How Prebirth Acupuncture Can Support You?
1. Promote Relaxation
Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially in the final weeks as your estimated due date is approaching. At this stage in pregnancy, we want to do whatever we can to encourage high levels of oxytocin and low levels of adrenalin by reducing stress, anxiety and tension.
It is more favourable for birth to be in our parasympathetic state (our relaxed state) where our essential birthing hormones (oxytocin and endorphins) can flow with ease. Prebirth acupuncture can play a role in reducing anticipatory stress, promoting positive emotional shifts and a sense of calm.
2. Ease Discomfort
Common late-pregnancy discomforts like back pain, pelvic pain, and insomnia can make the last few weeks more challenging. Acupuncture may offer relief by targeting specific areas of tension, improving energy levels, and assist you with getting good quality sleep in the lead up to labour.
3. Prepare your body for birth
Acupuncture can help support the mother by softening and aligning the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis and encourage cervical ripening (3).
4. Supporting Optimal Baby Positioning
In some cases, acupuncture may assist in encouraging your baby into an optimal position for birth (1).
Acupressure in the leadup and during labourIf possible, it is ideal if the mother’s birthing partner can join in for a session where I can teach some useful acupressure points that can be self administered through each stage of labour and if the mother goes past her estimated due date.
Safety and Professional Care
One of the most frequent questions I receive is whether acupuncture is safe during pregnancy. When provided by a qualified practitioner with experience in pregnancy care, acupuncture is generally considered safe and associated with few adverse effects when correctly applied (2) . I encourage open communication with your broader healthcare team, including your GP, midwife, or obstetrician, to make sure prebirth acupuncture is the right choice for you.
The Research and Evidence
While acupuncture has been a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, modern research into its benefits during pregnancy is still growing where further randomised controlled trials of acupuncture and acupressure in the prebirth phase of pregnancy are needed.
Final Thoughts
Prebirth acupuncture offers a way to nurture yourself in the final weeks of pregnancy, creating space for relaxation and preparation. While every experience is unique, many women find that these treatments help them feel more balanced and ready for labour. If you’re curious about how acupuncture could support you during this special time, I’d be honoured to be part of your journey.
REFERENCES
1. Betts D, Lennox S. Acupuncture for prebirth treatment: An observational study of its use in midwifery practice. Medical acupuncture 2006 May; 17(3):17-2
2. Park J, Sohn Y, White AR, Lee H. The safety of acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review. Acupunct Med. 2014 Jun;32(3):257-66. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2013-010480. Epub 2014 Feb 19. PMID: 24554789; PMCID: PMC4112450.
3. Rabl M, Ahner R, Bitschnau M, Zeisler H, Husslein P. Acupuncture for cervical ripening and induction of labour at term – a randomised controlled trail. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2001; 113 (23-24): 942-6.