Acupuncture is a popular choice around the world for women and midwives as part of their personalised pregnancy and birth plans.
It supports the body’s natural processes and may help reduce symptoms associated with pregnancy such as Nausea, and to bring on Labour – a method known as Acupuncture for Labour Induction.
At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we offer support for mothers during all stages of pregnancy, with labour induction available from 38 weeks.
Acupuncture for Pregnancy & Acupressure for Pregnancy Support
We recommend a course of Acupuncture for pregnancy support and welcome women and their birth partners to these sessions, which are tailored specifically for each Expectant Mother’s needs and wishes.
Pregnancy-related symptoms that may be treated with Pregnancy Acupuncture and Acupressure include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Musculoskeletal concerns – Lower Back Pain, Sciatica, Symphysis Pubis Pain, Rib, Neck or Upper Back Pain
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Itching
- Sinusitis
Brisbane Livewell Clinic believes in providing holistic care, thus it’s not only Acupuncture you’ll receive as part of your Individualised Support Plan.
We’ll teach you and your partner Acupressure Techniques that you can use anytime to help relieve symptoms like Anxiety, and for Pain Relief.
Acupressure techniques “focus on hormone release for Labour Progression, Augmentation of Contractions, Pain Relief and Nausea”. [1]
What Can Acupuncture for Labour Induction Do?
We understand that those final weeks of pregnancy can be exhausting, and that many women get to a point where they just want to have their baby and are looking for natural ways to bring on Labour.
In some cases, it may be medically concluded that the health of the mother will be better supported if Labour is brought on.
Our Pregnancy Acupuncture treatments can begin at 38 weeks and are designed to enhance your body’s response to a “stretch and sweep” performed by the midwife or doctor, or to prepare you for a Medical Induction. [1]
For women at 39.4 – 41 weeks pregnancy, three Acupuncture treatments may help Labour to start spontaneously, [2] and reduce the chances of needing a cesarean. [2][3]
A 2017 analysis of 22 studies and over 3,400 women concluded that there is indeed “benefit from Acupuncture in increasing cervical maturity within 24 hours”. [3]
Does Pregnancy Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture uses very small needles to stimulate certain Acupuncture points, and some people are surprised that they don’t feel anything in a lot of areas!
However, some people can experience a little tenderness, especially in tight places. This feeling is similar to a massage therapist massaging an area with a knot in it that you didn’t know you had.
Most clients find they get used to the sensation rather quickly. After the first session, the mystery of how it will feel to you is solved!
What Happens in a Session with Your Pregnancy Acupuncturist?
1. Get the Proper Diagnosis
At your first visit our experienced acupuncturist starts with a relaxed yet thorough consultation so we can understand your unique concerns, and create a course of treatment which suits you best.
We use the internationally recognised MRS mini-survey, conversation and other assessment tools to understand what needs attention immediately, and in the mid to long term.
2. Find Relief with our Acupuncture for Pregnancy & Labour Induction Treatments
From the very first visit, our gentle acupuncturist uses this soothing and healing therapy to help reduce your symptoms, to help with sleep and mood concerns, to promote deep relaxation, and to support the other therapies we provide.
3. Medicine Specifically Prepared For Your Pregnancy or Condition
Herbs play a prominent role in healing. Herbs can be dispensed as “off the shelf” formula or our practitioners can create a formula specifically designed for you. Our clinic has over 100 herbs to suit your specific needs. Our practitioners can modify your herbal formula as treatment progresses to ensure your medicine suits your current condition. From time to time we may prescribe particular nutrients and supplements, as well as herbal medicines.
4. Walk Away With a Tailored Pregnancy Acupuncture Plan
Acupuncture is part of a holistic system of mind-body medicine, so our acupuncturist works with you to create an easy, simple plan to support you through your treatment.
As each woman is different, we understand the need for flexibility and common sense. For most women, your plan will have an emphasis on food and nutrition; for others, it will be about emotional health and well-being, good sleep and stress management.
Some women will need the help of our naturopaths to support for their entire hormonal system, particularly if there is diabetes or pre-diabetes or thyroid problems. For women struggling with aches and pains, massage as well as acupuncture and exercise therapies will be suggested.
How We Can Help You with Pregnancy Acupuncture Brisbane Services
From your first visit, we’re here to help you get the most out of your middle years, and beyond. Acupuncture is widely considered a safe therapy, but occasionally, as with all therapies – conventional and complementary – results may vary, and adverse reactions may be experienced.
For those that do experience adverse reactions to Acupuncture, the most common are itchiness and soreness at the site of the needles, light-headedness, mild bruising and muscle twitching.
You’re encouraged to communicate with your practitioner, they are there for you every step of the way through your pregnancy! Get in touch with one of our experienced Pregnancy Acupuncture specialists today to find out more!
References
[1] Complementary therapies for Labour and birth study: a randomised, controlled trial of antenatal integrative medicine for pain management in Labour BMJ Open 2016;6:e010691 doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010691
[2] A randomized controlled trial of Acupuncture for initiation of labor in nulliparous women.
J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2006 Aug;19(8):465-70
[3]Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of Labour (review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;10/Article No. CD002962. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub4.
FAQ's
Acupuncture has been proven to be a successful induction method for labour, and also helps to shorten labour times. Acupuncture is a popular choice around the world for women and midwives as part of their personalised pregnancy and birth plans.
It supports the body’s natural processes and may help reduce symptoms associated with pregnancy such as Nausea, and to bring on Labour – a method known as Acupuncture for Labour Induction.
At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we offer support for mothers during all stages of pregnancy, with labour induction available from 38 weeks.
A 2017 analysis of 22 studies and over 3,400 women concluded that there is indeed “benefit from Acupuncture in increasing cervical maturity within 24 hours”.
Brisbane Livewell Clinic believes in providing holistic care; thus, it’s not only Acupuncture you’ll receive as part of your Individualised Support Plan.
We’ll teach you and your partner Acupressure Techniques that you can use anytime to help relieve symptoms like Anxiety, and for Pain Relief.
Acupressure techniques “focus on hormone release for Labour Progression, Augmentation of Contractions, Pain Relief and Nausea”.
This soothing and healing therapy to help with sleep and mood concerns and to promote deep relaxation During the first trimester acupuncture is used to help prevent miscarriage and provide a stabilizing effect on the pregnancy, balance the endocrine system, and regulate hormones. Acupuncture and help to minimize nausea, morning sickness, fatigue, migraines, bleeding, and spotting.
There are several acupuncture points that are traditionally avoided during pregnancy, as they are considered too moving or downward-bearing including any points on the lumbo-sacral area, any points on the lower abdomen (1st trimester), and any points on the upper and lower abdomen (2nd & 3rd Trimester). As required by law, our practitioners continue their professional education by attending seminars, viewing webinars, and reading up on any new health articles issued
Pregnancy-related symptoms that may be treated with Pregnancy Acupuncture and Acupressure include Nausea and vomiting, Musculoskeletal concerns – Lower Back Pain, Sciatica, Symphysis Pubis Pain, Rib, Neck or Upper Back Pain, Fatigue, Anxiety, Itching, Sinusitis. Brisbane Livewell Clinic believes in providing holistic care; thus, it is not only Acupuncture you’ll receive as part of your Individualised Support Plan. We will teach you and your partner Acupressure Techniques that you can use anytime to help relieve symptoms like Anxiety, and for Pain Relief.
Acupuncture is a popular choice for women around the world during pregnancy and is proven to be extremely beneficial and effective. In the first trimester it helps to maintain a pregnancy, nourish the body, and alleviates early symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and heartburn.
Research looking at side-effects of acupuncture for pregnant women has not uncovered any increase in miscarriage, preterm labour, or any other danger to the pregnancy. There are several acupuncture points that are traditionally avoided during pregnancy, as they are considered too moving or downward-bearing including any points on the lumbo-sacral area, any points on the lower abdomen (1st trimester), and any points on the upper and lower abdomen (2nd & 3rd Trimester). As required by law, our practitioners continue their professional education by attending seminars, viewing webinars, and reading up on any new health articles issued.
