Third Trimester and Induction

Resuming acupuncture at this time is recommended to maintain health and vitality in preparation for labour as well as potentially avoiding the need for an "emergency induction" treatment and providing benefit for some of the more uncomfortable symptoms of late pregnancy.

Acupuncture for breech: (ideally during weeks 34-35 of pregnancy).
Treatment involves the use of "moxa" close to an acupuncture point on the little toes for up to 10 minutes in one session. This treatment will have to be repeated daily for up to 10 days, or twice a day over 5 days if you are coming in weeks 38-39 of pregnancy. It can be performed by the mother or her partner after the initial clinic session at home, so we recommend both you and your partner attend this session. It is understood to work by stimulating the tone of the uterine muscle, thereby encouraging the baby to find the head down position.
A specific treatment at week 36 using "moxa" is recommended as a energy boost for labour.

Pre-Birth Acupuncture: (weekly starting at 37 weeks of gestation).
In week 37, weekly treatments to prepare the pelvis & cervix for an efficient labour are commenced. Other points can also be added to address any specific symptoms or discomforts that you may be experiencing in the late stages of pregnancy such as heartburn. Pre-Birth acupuncture is commonly used by midwives in New Zealand and Germany and their reports show that its use results in a more efficient active stage of labour, as measured by reduced labour time and a reduced need for medical intervention. Instruction is also given on the use of acupressure during labour and for this reason it is recommended that your support partner attend one of the sessions.


Acupuncture for induction: (after 40 weeks of gestation). Acupuncture should only be used for the induction of an otherwise healthy pregnancy on or after the estimated delivery date. The effects of acupuncture induction are a slow increase in tone of the uterine muscle which means that the effects of treatments are cumulative and not sudden. Treatments involve needle stimulation of points in the hands, feet and lower back, and may include massage of shoulder points. Needles are left in for up to 30 minutes per treatment, during which the mother might experience mild contractions and feels the baby move. Successive treatments over a period of 3 to 5 days may be required. If you are feeling fearful of labour, then acupuncture can help to relieve this fear and bring on a smooth labour.