Preparing for Labour: How Acupuncture Can Support your Body
As you approach the final months of pregnancy, you may find yourself wondering: Is there anything I can do to help prepare my body for labour?
At Seven Points Wellness, we believe the answer is yes. Our approach combines the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with evidence-informed care to gently support your body as it transitions toward birth.
The Final Weeks of Pregnancy: A Time of Natural Shifts
From around 36 weeks, your body begins to prepare for labour. Hormones start to shift, your baby moves into position, and your uterus begins practicing for the work ahead. This is a natural process, but it can also bring physical discomfort, emotional intensity, and uncertainty about what to expect.
Labour preparation acupuncture offers gentle, supportive care during this time of transition. It is a way of working with your body to encourage readiness for birth, both physically and emotionally.
How Acupuncture Can Help Prepare for Labour
At Seven Points Wellness, we use acupuncture to support you in the final weeks of pregnancy by focusing on 3 key areas:
1. Supporting Cervical Ripening and Uterine Readiness
In TCM, we aim to promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood to the uterus. Certain acupuncture points can help encourage cervical softening and improve uterine tone. This may support a more efficient labour once it begins.
From a Western perspective, research suggests that acupuncture at term may reduce the need for medical induction and shorten the duration of labour.
2. Calming the Nervous System
Emotional tension, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping can affect the natural flow of labour. Acupuncture promotes relaxation by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing your body to feel calm and your mind to feel steady. This environment supports the release of oxytocin, the hormone that helps initiate and progress labour.
3. Encouraging Optimal Baby Positioning
Through gentle and targeted treatments, acupuncture may help to relax the pelvic muscles and ligaments, making it easier for baby to move into an optimal position for birth. While not a guarantee, many women find that regular treatments improve comfort and pelvic alignment. Acupuncture and moxibustion can be used to assist turning a baby in breech position.
What to Expect in a Labour Preparation Session
Every session is personalised to your needs. We start with a thorough check-in to see how you are feeling physically and emotionally. Based on this, we may include:
• Acupuncture tailored to your pregnancy stage
• Moxibustion to warm and circulate Qi
• Acupressure guidance for you and your birth partner
• Dietary or lifestyle support based on Chinese medicine principles
Our goal is to help you feel calmer, more connected, and ready for the next phase of your journey into motherhood.
When Should I Start Labour Preparation Acupuncture?
We generally recommend beginning weekly acupuncture sessions around 36 weeks. Some women choose to start earlier, especially if they have specific goals such as trying to avoid medical induction, preparing for a VBAC, or simply wanting to feel more in tune with their body. Some women will have had regular acupuncture throughout their whole pregnancy.
Supporting You at Every Stage
At Seven Points Wellness, we are here to support your entire pregnancy journey, from early care through to postpartum recovery. Labour preparation is a powerful way to feel more physically prepared, emotionally grounded, and gently guided as you step into this next stage of life.
Want to book in for labour prep acupuncture? We welcome you at both our St Leonards and Dural clinics. Contact us if you have any questions.
