Acupuncture can be used in preparation and during labor and delivery. In some cases, obstetricians and midwives may recommend inducing labor for a variety of reasons. When it is deemed appropriate by your obstetrician or midwife, acupuncture can serve as an alternative method of inducing labor. The treatment focuses on increasing cervical dilation and effacement as well as promoting productive contractions. Within one to four treatments, acupuncture has been found to enhance the progression of labor. Each treatment usually lasts for about one hour.

In cases where acupuncture has been used to promote full term labor, and as well as cases where labor is progressing without assistance, pain relief is one of the benefits of receiving acupuncture during labor. It is not directed at completely taking away pain, however making labor more comfortable, providing relaxation, and making the most of every contraction.

Acupuncture can only promote what is naturally ready to happen in the body. If the body is not ready to undergo the labor process, acupuncture will be ineffective. However, using acupuncture does not take away any other available options for inducing labor or for pain relief.

Another technique used by Chinese medicine practitioners is moxibustion. Moxibustion is the burning of the herb Ai ye over an acupuncture point or area of the body. This technique is often used to attempt to correct breech presentation of the baby, when deemed appropriate by your obstetrician or midwife. You should be trained by a Chinese medicine practitioner in how to perform the procedure. You then must perform the procedure on yourself twice daily for about 15 minutes each time. This technique is most effective when used prior to the 36th week, but can be attempted after this time. It often becomes difficult for the growing baby to turn in the now crowded space. Although, you do not want to perform the technique to early where there is too much time for the baby to turn back.

Acupuncturists are permitted to accompany you to some hospitals. If it is not part of the policies and procedures at your hospital it is appropriate to request that this be available to you. Otherwise, arrangements can sometimes be made to administer treatment at the acupuncture office, your doctor’s office, or at your home until you are ready to leave for the hospital.