TCM Labour Induction Programme
This programme is suitable for healthy pregnancies that are overdue - your baby has engaged in your pelvis, you have sufficient amount of amniotic fluid and your doctor has told you that you could wait if you do not want to be medically induced yet. Acupuncture for labour induction is a natural, safe and evidence-based alternative that every overdue mummy should consider before other medical interventions, including a membrane sweep, medical induction or caesarean section.
Benefits
Some acupuncture points are effective in stimulating a latent readiness for labour into true labour.
Research shows that acupuncture for induction of labour had contributed to
1. Labour Stimulation
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increased latent readiness for labour that has not yet produced the desired onset of labour
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improved cervical softening / ripening process
2. Pain Alleviation
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higher tolerance of labour pain during the first stage of labour
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mild analgesic effect
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reduced level of anxiety and tension
3. Uterine Contractions Coordination
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significant improvement in contractions coordination pattern of the uterus
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energy conservation for the three stages of labour
Overall, it helps reduce medical interventions, including epidural, medical induction and caesarean section.
Risks
No significant risk to the mother and baby. Acupuncture induction is safe and effective provided:
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it is used on pregnant women without pregnancy complications
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it is not used to induce labour before the due date unless approved by your antenatal care team
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it is carried out by a qualified physician with relevant training and experience
Contraindications
Acupuncture induction is always justified if a natural delivery appears possible. Contraindications for this treatment include breech presentation, placenta previa, cephalopelvic disproportion, known bleeding disorders of the mother and other conditions and complications that would endanger either mother or child with a conservative delivery approach.
Programme Details
TCM Labour Induction Programme
Number of Sessions: 3
Each Session includes:
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TCM Consultation
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Acupuncture #1
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Acupuncture #2 or Therapeutic Tui-Na (by physician)
Estimated Duration Per Treatment Session: 60 minutes
Recommended Frequency: Three consecutive days
Treatment Methods
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles in specific points (acupoints) on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi (life energy) along the meridians linking the internal organs, ensuring that the organs are well nourished to carry out their functions efficiently.
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Therapeutic Tui-Na
Tui-na, a form of Chinese massage, can facilitate childbirth through a few ways. It helps relieve stress, overcome fear for labour and improve sleep quality. Tui-na is also very effective in alleviating pain such as low back pain, hip pain and muscle fatigue, so that you will survive the most vigorous part of the labour process.