Women often book acupuncture appointments to address their eagerness to go into labour. In some cases, they are past their due dates. It may also be that their water has broken and contractions havn’t started.
I always explain that an “acupuncture induction treatment” is an invitation to the body to go into labour, but can not force something that is not meant to happen.
In Chinese Medicine, the two common reasons that labour can be delayed are
1) the woman is exhausted
2) the woman is stressed or anxious
Acupuncture treatment encourages labour (by stimulating points that direct energy downward and opening energy). Treatment also address the physical and mental emotional state of the woman at that moment – inviting her to feel both relaxed and energized.
I was pleased to receive an email from a patient a couple days ago. This woman came to see me last week pregnant with her 3rd child. Her first two children were born at home with midwives. She was disappointed that her water broke at 38 weeks with no sign of contractions and hoped to avoid a hospital induction. She came to see me at 11am. Her labour started at 2pm that same day and her baby was born at 5pm! She was thrilled.
Acupuncture is used to encourage labour to start. Women often look to acupuncture for help when they are post dates or when their water has broken and contractions have not kicked in yet.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, the onset on labour is an example of “Yin transforming to Yang”. After 9 months of maintaining the job of keeping the fetus safe and enclosed, the uterus suddenly begins to contract. The key terms become “opening” and “down”. Acupuncture points are chosen to support the downward and opening movement of energy. Some of the points used are from the classical “do not use in pregnancy” list – specifically because these points have downward and opening functions. Other points are chosen in relation to the specific needs of the woman at the time and with consideration to her constitution.
Induction treatments last 20-30 minutes and are very comfortable for the woman. Women often sleep while the needles are in, or at least relax deeply.
Treatment also allows the woman to discuss her situation and receive support in accepting and feeling comfortable with her current situation, and better understanding her options.
For details about a study on the effectiveness of Acupunucture for labour induction see:
