Pre-Birth Treatment aka Natural Induction

Pre-birth treatment involves a series of acupuncture treatments from 36 or 37 weeks to prepare for labour. The purpose of this is to prep a woman’s body and speed the ripening process. Points are used according to a woman’s constitution and pregnancy history. These includes treatmentsto ripen the cervix, help position the baby in the best presentation for labour, relax the pelvic floor and to promote optimal energy and stamina for women entering labour

Data on 169 women was gathered by 14 midwives as part of their midwifery practice in Wellington, New Zealand. It found that when comparing all pre birth treatment options (Midwives, GP’s and Specialists) to those women who had received pre-birth acupuncture there was:

•    An overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for women having their first baby there was a 43% reduction)
•    A 31% reduction in the epidural rate

In the study, when comparing midwifery-only care to women receiving pre-birth acupuncture there was:
•    A 32% reduction in emergency caesarean delivery
•    A 9 % increase in normal vaginal births

There also was no difference in the incidence of  early onset labour in women who received pre-birth acupuncture.