Preparing for Labour
As acupuncturists with a special interest in pregnancy, ACT practitioners are specifically trained to utilise the acupuncture points to facilitate each stage of labour and help labour progress efficiently.
In labour, acupuncture and acupressure can help in the following ways:
- promoting efficient and regular contractions if they slow or stop
- helping the baby descend
- posterior cervix
- cervical lip
- optimal positioning of the baby
- smoothing the transition between 1st and 2nd Stage of labour
- strengthening stamina and energy during a long labour
- reducing shock in a fast labour
- reducing excessive blood loss
- promoting delivery of retained placenta
- shrinking haemorrhoids-piles
If you think you would like your acupuncturist to attend your labour, (usually they may only need to attend for a couple of hours in the first stage of the labour) talk to them during your third trimester as they will need some pre-warning. Some women in labour and their partners may ask the acupuncturist to be ‘on call’ and return if the labour does not progress smoothly. Not all members of ACT Brighton & Hove can provide support during labour, (please see the Team Pages for which practitioners have availability) but all the practitioners can teach birth partners the effective acupressure points to use for pain relief during labour and help facilitate a smooth childbirth.
As obstetric acupuncturists, ACT practitioners are specifically trained to utilise the acupuncture points to facilitate each stage of labour and can help labour progress smoothly and naturally with as little intervention as possible.
Acupuncture is particularly good at maintaining regular contractions, maximising relaxation and improving endorphin release. It reduces anxiety and provides pain relief so that the mother feels energised, in control so that birth is efficient and non-traumatic for her and her baby.
Acupuncture helps in the following ways:
- promotes stronger and more regular contractions if they slow or stop due to emotional reasons such as fear or stress
- helps the baby descend
- posterior cervix
- cervical lip
- especially helpful if the baby is ‘back-to-back’ or OP – Occipital Posterior Position
- smoothes the transition between 1st and 2nd Stage of labour
- good for stamina and energy during a long labour
- reduces shock in a fast labour
- reduces excessive blood loss
- promotes delivery of retained placenta
- shrinks haemorrhoids-piles
ACT practitioners work as a team and cover for each other during labours. Often an acupuncturist may only need to attend a labour for a couple of hours in the first stage of the labour. Some women in labour and their partners may ask the acupuncturist to be ‘on call’ and return if the labour does not progress smoothly.