Pre-birth acupuncture offers a safe treatment with the aim of promoting natural labour. Specific acupuncture protocols developed by midwives to help prepare the body for birth. The emphasis of these treatments is to help the pelvis to release and to create space for the cervix to soften.

Pre-birth acupuncture is generally carried out weekly from week 36 or 37.

Acupuncture and Labour Induction

Acupuncture with the aim of helping to induce natural labour is used when women are post 40 weeks. In these cases higher frequency treatments are advised: three conducted over consecutive days, or every other day.

The benefits of acupuncture for labour induction are:

• Influences cervical dilation and ripening

• Naturally stimulates uterine contractions

• Reduces time from due date to delivery

• Reduces likelihood of medical induction

• Provides relaxation in cases of emotional distress

Breech Presentation

The turning of breech babies using moxibustion from week 33 onwards is a successful and natural method to avoid medical intervention. The success rates are as high as 81% in turning a breech baby. Even women with a very late diagnosis of breech presentation have found that their babies have turned with the use of moxibustion and/or acupuncture.

Moxibustion involves burning a fragrant herb in the form of a moxa stick over one acupuncture point on the feet to relax the muscles in the uterus allowing the baby to turn.

It is extremely safe and relaxing and the great benefit of this treatment is that you can continue the treatment with your partner or friend in the comfort of your own home once we have taught you the technique and frequency of treatment.