Acupuncture During Pregnancy and Labour

Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy during pregnancy and offers valuable support for a range of common prenatal concerns. While not a replacement for conventional obstetric care, acupuncture is widely used as a complementary treatment due to its low risk profile and therapeutic benefits.

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Benefits of Acupuncture in Pregnancy

Clinical studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can assist with:

• Morning sickness

• Stress and anxiety

• Lower back and hip pain

• Breech presentation

• Mild to moderate prenatal depression

As awareness grows, more women are choosing acupuncture to support their wellbeing throughout pregnancy and into labour.

 

Tom works collaboratively with your obstetrician or midwife to support a healthy pregnancy. Conveniently located in St Leonards, he is close to key care facilities including the Royal North Shore Hospital, The Mater Hospital, and North Shore Private.

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Acupuncture for Labour Preparation and Induction

Acupuncture can also be used to encourage labour in post-term pregnancies. It is increasingly sought after by women wishing to avoid medical induction and the associated interventions that may follow. Acupuncture for induction is a gentle and natural method that works with the body’s physiological processes to promote labour readiness.

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While every pregnancy is unique and individual responses to treatment vary, anecdotal evidence and clinical experience suggest that acupuncture is particularly effective for women who are past their due dates and committed to regular sessions.

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Timing is important. For best results, it is recommended that women begin daily acupuncture sessions at least 7 days prior to a medically scheduled induction. This allows sufficient time for the body to respond to treatment and maximizes the likelihood of a natural labour onset.

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During and after treatment, some women may experience subtle sensations such as:

• A feeling of downward movement or pelvic pressure

• Increased urinary urgency

• Mild abdominal tightening
   

Others may feel little to no physical response during the session, which is also normal. The experience can vary significantly based on the individual and the stage of pregnancy.