Acupuncture for Labour Induction

Labour induction is becoming increasingly common. As of July 2024, a third of births in the UK were induced — a 10% increase from the decade prior. If you and your provider decide that induction is the right option for you, and that the benefits of intervention outweigh the risks of waiting, acupuncture offers gentle and effective options.

Depending on your individual case, acupuncture can be used either to promote or induce labour. If delayed labour is due to your baby’s engagement, treatment can focus on helping them achieve the correct birth position. Acupuncture can also influence the presentation and dilation of the cervix.

Stress in the run-up to your due date can impact labour. Elevated stress hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline) may block your body’s natural production of oxytocin, which can inhibit contractions. Interestingly, medical induction, which uses a synthetic form of oxytocin, can actually make the natural oxytocin your body produces unavailable for absorption, potentially affecting contraction strength.

Acupuncture has been used to help prepare the body for labour for over 1,600 years, since the Jin Dynasty in China. Today, modern techniques such as electrostimulation (using a gentle electrical pulse with a TENS unit) and cupping (a massage technique that improves blood flow) can also be incorporated to support labour readiness and relieve common third-trimester discomforts.

Benefits can include:

• Relief from back pain and muscle tension

• Reduced fatigue, stress, and irritability

• Improved sleep

If you’re nearing the end of your third trimester and looking for supportive, holistic options, acupuncture is well worth exploring. Please feel welcome to message me with any questions, or book a free 15-minute consultation.