As you get closer to the end of your trimester, we begin to prepare the body for labour. Before we embark on why acupuncture is important in the preparation of labour and/or induction, if your baby is in breech or transverse position, acupuncture and moxabustion is very effective in turning the baby . There is a caveat. As soon as you find out that your baby is in breech, which should be around 34 weeks, the better the outcome. The later you seek acupuncture to help rotate the baby, say around 36-38 weeks, the success rate would be reduced. Having said that, I have assisted women in 36-37 weeks to rotate the baby successfully. It really depends on the individual.
Now, back to the topic of labour preparation and induction. I always advised my patients that had gone through fertility treatment with me to return back to acupuncture at 36 weeks onward to prepare the body for labour. Labour preparation is important because it helps prime the body and mind to the last stage of pregnancy. In addition, it also assist in a smooth transition from contractions to active labour and, the delivery of the placenta.
At the initial stage (36-38 weeks), gentle acupuncture points are used to relax the body and mine and, reduce and manage symptoms such as tiredness, reflux, insomnia, stress and anxiety. It can also gently coax the baby to optimal birthing position (if it is not) which is occiput anterior (OA) or anterior baby which means head down with baby spine positioned against your belly. As we get closer to the due date, which is roughly around 39 to 40 weeks, stronger acupuncture points are used to directs Qi downwards and to open the cervix. The frequency of treatments may be increased from weekly to two treatments in a week depending on how active the contractions are or if there are none at all. In my clinical experience, labour preparation at 36 weeks is the best way to assist in this transitioning process. However, any time between 36-40 weeks is a good time to come in for some acupuncture treatments.
I have also treated pregnant women that normally comes in close to their due date, in hope to have a natural birth instead of being induced. I even had one that saw me the day before her induction date. Needless to say, she went into labour later in night after the treatment. It is important to stress that medical induction is not a bad thing. Yes, we hope for a natural birth but the safety of both you and the baby is also very important. Acupuncture can help in may ways to bring on contractions and labour, but it is not 100% guaranteed. However, there is no harm in trying something that can encourage the body to transition into the labour process.
If you have been wondering what you can do to help with your last stage of pregnancy and to prepare for labour, acupuncture is worth the consideration. It is a safe intervention for both mother and baby. You can book a treatment via ONLINE or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to drop me a message. I will be more than happy to help where I can.