Can Acupuncture Start Labor?
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been easing pregnancy and labor discomforts for thousands of years. Here are some things to think about when preparing for labor with acupuncture.
What Acupuncture for Labor Prep Looks Like
Acupuncture to help you prepare for labor is just as relaxing and comfortable as acupuncture that you’d experience at any other time. Along with addressing any pregnancy symptoms, acupuncture focuses on helping your muscles and body deeply relax, training your nervous system to release stress and tension. This helps your baby to get into a good position and makes labor easier, less stressful and more efficient.
As your due date draws nearer, the goal with acupuncture is to create more “downward movement”; sending signals to the system to help your baby move as needed and gently stimulate labor. Some points included in these treatments are ones that have been avoided as a caution throughout pregnancy, due to the strong effect they can have on the body. These treatments also provide you with much needed rest and energy prior to your due date. If you don’t already have an acupuncture routine, we recommend starting acupuncture to prepare for labor around week 32, giving yourself a chance to adapt to the treatments and let your body adjust.
To prepare for labor, acupuncture gently releases muscle tension and body pain, training your body to relax deeply. This also helps your body to support and encourage your baby’s movement as it gets into the right position.
Do
Have your acupuncture schedule.
During your acupuncture treatments, it’s important to come in with regularity, as we’re training your body to relax and start moving your energy downwards.
Communicate your birth plan with your acupuncturist.
Your acupuncturist can give you tips and advice based off of your birthing plan, especially if you are looking for methods of natural pain relief.
Ask questions.
You and your body know what’s best, and it’s important that you are informed and comfortable. Acupuncture is safe throughout all stages of pregnancy, and if you are curious if it can help you to manage certain pregnancy symptoms, ask!
Don’t
Wait too long to start acupuncture.
Many patients come in to their first acupuncture treatment, already a few days late to deliver, hoping to walk out of the treatment all ready for labor. The body takes more time than that, especially during your first pregnancy. Acupuncture is safe throughout your pregnancy, so when you start feeling curious, make an appointment!
Expect results in one treatment.
You’ll likely experience a quick reduction in some symptoms like pain or swelling, but know that if you’re trying to turn a breech or stimulate labor it will take a few sessions and some homework on your end. It can take a few treatments for your body to really respond to acupuncture, so plan for that.
For more on Labor prep with acupuncture, check out these other articles:
Acupuncture & Labor Prep — Thriving with Eastern Medicine & Acupuncture (temacupuncture.com)
Acupuncture for labor and birth preparation (acupuncturetaproot.com)
Acupuncture, Pregnancy, and Labor Preparation - Reproductive Wellness