Acupuncture for Labour Induction Hervey Bay & Fraser Coast
A Cochrane review on acupuncture for labour induction (published in 2013) looked at 14 randomized control trials. This included more than 2,200 participants. They found that people who had acupuncture were more likely to have greater cervical ripening. This was evidenced by increased Bishop scores over a 24-hour period. It was found that true acupuncture (as opposed to fake sham acupuncture) had a beneficial effect on the cervical ripening.
About Acupuncture for Labour Induction
Traditional acupuncture uses points that are believed to encourage labour naturally. What is clear from the research on acupuncture for labour induction is that it helps:
The treatment is therefore aimed at addressing stress, anxiety, low back pain and other ailments while focusing on the main goal of labour induction. We’ll discuss relaxation exercises and other techniques that are useful in preparation for labour as your body, mind and emotions are balanced with acupuncture.
Acupuncture to induce labour stimulates pain-relieving and relaxing hormones that allow you to feel at ease before your labour.
If you’re approaching, on or after the due date, make your appointment today.
Acupuncture Labour Induction Research
Research into acupuncture for labour induction showed evidence that acupuncture helps in cervical ripening. As far as decreasing labour time and pain within labour, more research is needed.
We know from research into other areas with acupuncture that it can increase pain threshold (ability to handle pain), reduce anxiety and relax the body.
We also know from the Chinese have been using acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese herbal medicines at this time in pregnancy for thousands of years and is still commonly practised in the hospital system in China.
Who Can Have Acupuncture for Labour Induction?
Anyone can make an appointment without a referral from a GP. Acupuncture can be claimed by most health insurance companies. Just check with your provider. Many people book in for acupuncture at the due date or after, however, if you can come a few weeks before the due date to start relaxing and preparing for labour, this may have more benefit.
What Can you Expect in an Acupuncture Session for Labour Induction?
- As soon as you make an appointment either online or a phone call to reception, you will receive an automated email welcoming you to the practice and giving you links to patient forms to fill out etc.
- When you arrive at the clinic you’ll be welcomed with tea and time to relax before treatment.
- When you come in for your assessment, Paul will go through your health history based on Chinese medicine questions.
- Your wrist pulses will be examined and tongue observed.
- Acupuncture points will be selected based on the Chinese medicine diagnosis as well as points known to stimulate labour.
- Acupuncture is performed with sterile, single use needles and retained in place for over 30 minutes, allowing you to relax.
- We will discuss the process so that you will feel comfortable to obtain the best outcome.
- After acupuncture, we’ll go through the treatment plan so you feel confident in the path forward.
How to proceed with acupuncture for labour induction
Whether you are leading up to due date or after the due date, simply make an appointment to get the process started.
Make an appointment today.
References
Smith CA, Crowther CA, Grant SJ. Acupuncture for induction of labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2013(8):Cd002962.
Mollart LJ, Adam J, Foureur M. Impact of acupressure on onset of labor and labour duration: A systematic
review. Women Birth. 2015 Sep;28(3):199-206.
PHOTOGRAPH BY OLENA BRODETSKA COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK