How Acupuncture Can Help With Childbirth
There is an increasing number of mothers in Singapore who have experienced the benefits of a prebirth acupuncture treatment. However, there are still many mothers-to-be who are keen to go for acupuncture treatment to promote a safe and smooth delivery, but not sure what exactly a prebirth acupuncture is, how it works, and what the benefits are.
What Is Prebirth Acupuncture?
Prebirth acupuncture refers to routine acupuncture treatments given in the last few weeks of pregnancy. It is a proactive approach to a natural and efficient childbirth. Prebirth acupuncture prepares a woman physically and mentally for the labour and optimizes the health of the mother and baby.
How Does Prebirth Acupuncture Work?
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine's perspective, acupuncture stimulates a woman’s body to ensure that she has abundant Qi (vital life energy) and blood circulating harmoniously throughout the body to facilitate delivery. A standard set of acupuncture points beneficial for childbirth is used as the main acupuncture points. Other acupuncture points are then added to address other health issues the woman may have, taking into consideration any signs and symptoms she is experiencing, such as insomnia, anxiety, water retention, lower back pain, leg cramps, fatigue, etc. More often than not, the acupuncture points chosen are located on the head, around the wrists, below the knees, and around the ankles.
Prebirth acupuncture should start in the 36th week of pregnancy and continue on a weekly basis up to the time of delivery. Each acupuncture session lasts between 20 to 30 minutes. During the session, tuina therapy (Chinese ancient form of massage) may be supplemented to enhance the effects of acupuncture in alleviating fatigue and anxiety, and relieving pain and cramps. Read more about our Routine Pre-birth Preparation Programme
Benefits Of Prebirth Acupuncture
Some of the benefits of prebirth acupuncture include:
calming the mind, reducing anxiety and allowing the body to relax and rejuvenate
promoting optimal position of the baby for birth
relaxing and softening pelvic ligaments to facilitate childbirth
ripening and dilation of cervix
alleviating uncomfortable pregnancy-related symptoms, such as improving sleep quality, reducing edema, alleviating pain and cramps, and boosting energy levels
Studies have shown that prebirth acupuncture reduces the labour time by facilitating the ripening and dilation of the cervix and significantly improving the contraction coordination of the uterus. It has also been observed that prebirth acupuncture reduces the need for medical intervention, including the use of epidural anaesthesia and caesarean delivery. Women who receive prebirth acupuncture treatment are more likely to deliver on their due date, and for those who require induction, they usually respond very well to acupuncture treatment for induction.
Safety Of Prebirth Acupuncture
Some women are concerned about the safety of prebirth acupuncture, while others are afraid that there is a risk of inducing labour. Prebirth acupuncture is suitable for all pregnant women with no pregnancy complications such as placenta previa, and contrary to common belief, prebirth acupuncture does not affect the time of delivery onset. For acupuncture induction, another set of acupuncture points will be used. Consult a qualified TCM Practitioner who is proficient in prebirth acupuncture to best address your specific conditions, and enjoy the relaxing and peaceful sessions while preparing your body for the arrival of your baby!
