Pregnancy

What is Acupuncture to Induce Labor?

Acupuncture to Induce Labor is a specialized form that is specifically designed to prepare the body for labor, help induce labor, and stimulate uterine contractions when the pregnancy is at full term. It can be just as powerful as the induction agents used in the hospital. Dr. Brittani requires that you check with your OB/GYN or midwife and get a thumb’s up prior to performing this procedure.

How does it work?

Rooted in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is based on the idea that energy, or ‘qi’, flows through the body along specific paths known as meridians. The underlying idea is that by harmonizing the body’s energy flow, acupuncture can help alleviate discomfort, reduce anxiety, and promote optimal conditions for natural labor.

Dr. Brittani places thin, sterile needles at particular points along these meridians to influence the energy flow. In the case of Labor Inducing Acupuncture treatment, the needle placements are believed to stimulate the uterus and help cervical ripening. It is also thought to help regulate hormones, which are involved in the initiation and regulation of labor induction. It helps prepare your body for natural delivery and can help with pain as well.

Treatments vary between 1-6 sessions, and for some just one session before labor begins, as each woman’s situation varies. The principle of acupuncture is to open the meridians (energy channels) within the woman’s unique body, stimulating points and getting a woman's energy meridians nourished and balanced so everything is "flowing" optimally”.

When to Consider Using Acupuncture to Induce Labor:

Acupuncture to Induce Labor is typically considered when a woman is at or past her due date and looking to encourage labor to start naturally. It’s a holistic approach that aims to reduce the need for a medical induction, which can involve synthetic hormones or other medical interventions.

Some specific circumstances when Acupuncture to Induce Labor might be considered include:

Post-term Pregnancy: When pregnancy goes beyond the 40-week mark, it’s often referred to as a post-term or overdue pregnancy. Acupuncture might be considered as a method to help encourage the onset of labor in these circumstances.

Prior to Scheduled Medical Induction: If a medical induction has been scheduled by your healthcare provider due to a particular medical reason, you might opt to try acupuncture in the days leading up to this as an attempt to initiate labor naturally.

Pain and Anxiety Management: When natural painkillers can’t help, some women may consider acupuncture not strictly for inducing labor, but as a natural means to manage pain, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation in the lead-up to labor.

Preparation for Labor: Even before the due date, some women may choose to have acupuncture as a method to prepare the body for the induction of labor. The idea is that regular sessions in the final weeks of pregnancy might help to ripen the cervix and put the body in the best possible state for labor to commence.

Before deciding on any intervention, it is important to discuss this with your OB/GYN or midwife. Dr. Brittani will only perform Labor Induction Acupuncture if it is approved by your primary pregnancy medical provider.