Pre-birth acupuncture consists of a series of weekly treatments given in the final weeks of pregnancy to prepare women for childbirth, usually from week 36 to week 40. It is an ideal method to help women prepare their body for an efficient birth, with an emphasis on preparing the cervix and pelvis for labour.
Acupuncture can really help with cervix dilation. The focus of the treatment is to have the cervix completely effaced and starting to dilate before the first contraction. This pre-birth acupuncture protocol is also designed to enhance optimal foetal positioning, and to help women build up their energy reserves.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to be well rested and relaxed before labour. Pre-birth acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment to promote a natural efficient labour. Feedback from midwives suggests that pre-birth acupuncture not only reduces the time spent in labour, but also reduces the rate of medical intervention such as induction, forceps, and caesarean section.
