Inducing Labor With Acupuncture

Usually the first a pregnant woman hears about acupuncture is when she has reached her due date and nothing has happened. Her midwife or obstetrician may then suggest she try acupuncture to help kick start a natural labour. And unfortunately this is the first time an acupuncturist may see the patient. Unfortunate because treatment with acupuncture can help prepare a woman for labour in a number of different ways. Acupuncture can assist the cervix to ripen, help coax the baby into the best possible position for birth, and relax muscles and tendons. It can also be quite a relaxing treatment at a time when the mother-to-be may be feeling anxious about the birth. This is why a treatment to merely bring on contractions may achieve just this, but earlier treatment and preparation can make labour a more positive experience, and one in which the need for medical intervention may be reduced. A study published in The American Journal of Acupuncture in 1974 by Kubista and Kucera concluded that acupuncture once a week from 37 weeks gestation using the acupuncture was successful in reducing the average time a woman spends in labour (Kubista E Kucera H. Geburtshilfe Perinatol 1974; 178 224-9). A randomised controlled trial in 2001 by Rabl and team involved 45 women and studied the effect of acupuncture on cervical ripening in the hope of reducing inductions (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).

The authors concluded that acupuncture helped to ripen the cervix and shortened the time between the due date and the actual delivery date, thereby decreasing the need for a medical induction.

Can acupuncture induction be used by someone who has had a previous caesarean?
Studies have shown that pre-labour acupuncture can help to shorten labour time and increase the strength of contractions, so even if the induction is not successful, a womans labour can still benefit enormously. If a woman is seeking to have another caesarean, the benefits of acupuncture induction are not relevant.

How quickly can the induction work?

This is difficult to answer because while some women need only one session, others might need two to four treatments, and there are a small minority for whom induction is not successful at all.

When should I begin acupuncture treatments and how often should I go?
Anywhere from 35 to 37 weeks is the best time to begin acupuncture treatments, as acupuncture can help to loosen the ligaments and tendons around your pelvis, move the baby into place and ensure you are strong, healthy, relaxed and ready for labour and delivery. For many women this is all it takes for them to slip naturally into labour and have a positive birth experience as a result of their preparation. If you are already past your due date, its not too late, acupuncture induction can still be of benefit to help induce a natural labour.

What can I expect at an acupuncture session?

A typical session involves taking a case history, taking the pulse and looking at the tongue. Points may be used on the wrists, hands, legs as well as the head or face (relaxing points) and are usually left in for about 20 minutes or so. The treatments are very relaxing and your belly is supported with pillows as you lie on your side.

Can Acupuncture Help Me After The Birth Of My Baby And If So, How?
Yes! There are so many ways acupuncture can assist with postlabour recovery. It can help with specific problems like milk letdown or low milk supply, mastitis, scar healing (for caesarean births), haemorrhoids, and exhaustion. Acupuncture also helps to build blood and strengthen blood quality,which can also become depleted after labour.
Websites: http://bellybelly.com.au has information about the different stages of pregnancy and why acupuncture can be helpful during pregnancy. http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz has information about the use of acupuncture in pregnancy and labour, with reference to a number of research articles. www.bubhub.com.au/info/articles/pregnancy/acupuncture_during_pregnancy.sht ml has information about the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy. http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy-acupuncture.aspx Michelle Bryceland is a qualified Acupuncturist and Naturopath, is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) practicing at Chi Temple Chinese Medicine www.chitemple.com.au.