Debra Betts, a renowned author, an acupuncturist and a midwife, writes about acupuncture as a prebirth treatment in her book The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth:

“Prebirth acupuncture refers to a series of treatments in the final weeks of pregnancy to prepare women for childbirth.  Research has demonstrated that the mean duration of labor in a group of women giving birth for  the first time was reduced from eight hours and two minutes in the control group (7o women) to six hours and 36 minutes in the group of 70 women who have received prebirth acupuncture.   In clinical practice acupuncture is an ideal method to help women prepare themselves to have the most efficient labor possible.  Feedback suggests that prebirth acupuncture offers a range of positive effects that goes beyond reducing the time spent in labor, with midwives reporting a reduced rate of medical intervention.”

Since ancient times, Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, has been used to help women during pregnancy, labor and postpartum period.  Modern research is validating its efficacy especially in the period leading up to labor and during labor.  Expectant mothers may be experiencing symptoms which include heart burn, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, bleeding gums, back ache (to name a few) which are considered normal.  Western medical approach during last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy includes weakly visits to a gynecologist in order to monitor fetal position and heart beat but unfortunately has very little to offer for relief of these  bothersome symptoms.  Acupuncture on the other hand, is not only able to prepare a woman’s body for more efficient and shorter labor but it is also able to relieve pregnancy induced symptoms including increased worry and anxiety.

Whether you are expecting your first child or third child, if you are interested in increasing your chances of natural birth and delivery, acupuncture is definitely a gentle and  safe treatment method for you to consider.

Source:  The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth by Debra Betts