Acupuncture for Labor Preparation
Labor preparation acupuncture treatments begin at 36-37 weeks to prepare the body for childbirth! Our treatment goal at this time is to gently support the pregnant patients health to promote the smoothest labor possible. These are not treatments to stimulate labor, but rather, to support changes that are already happening naturally in the body.
As with any acupuncture treatment, labor prep treatments are individualized to support the patient in what her body needs. That may be to boost energy and strength (qi), calm anxiety, relax the muscles, stop pain, etc.
During your treatment, we have you side-lying to keep you as comfortable as possible, and your body is propped with pillows for extra support. Acupuncture points may be needled on the legs, arms, feet, hands, head and/or back.
As the due date approaches, we gently increase the stimulation on the needles to encourage a downward movement of energy. We’re now using specific acupuncture points that were previously avoided during most of pregnancy.
Ultimately, labor will begin when when the body is ready and baby is ready. Acupuncture treatments are highly encouraged to help move the process in a healthy direction and to reduce the need for induction or emergency c-section.
If you are at your due date or overdue and are looking to move the process along- we are happy to treat you at this stage! Give us a call with questions or to set up your pre-birth treatments ~ (843) 790-4295
