Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for preparing labour and birth

(acupunctureyogy 2026)

An increasing number of clients are seeking acupuncture support for labour preparation following recommendations from their midwives. Acupuncture treatment for labour preparation typically commences at approximately the 36th week of pregnancy. These sessions aim to facilitate cervical ripening, encourage optimal fetal positioning, and reduce maternal anxiety to support an efficient labour process.

Benefits of acupuncture

Cervical ripening

Acupuncture for cervical ripening involves stimulating specific points to help soften and prepare the cervix for labour. This practice may lead to shorter labour durations, increased rates of vaginal delivery, and a reduced need for medical induction.

Research, including a randomized controlled study, has shown that specific acupuncture points support cervical ripening at term and can help facilitate delivery closer to the expected due date. Another study finding was that acupuncture treatment resulted in a significantly shorter active phase of labour. 

Supporting essential hormones: Oxytocin & Prostaglandin

 Acupuncture works by influencing the nervous system, which can trigger the release of oxytocin from the hypothalamus and promote the production of prostaglandins. Research has demonstrated that the use of acupuncture can lead to a significant reduction in the need for synthetic oxytocin infusions to augment labour, suggesting its effectiveness in naturally inducing oxytocin release.

Oxytocin receptors increase throughout pregnancy, making the uterus more responsive in the final stage, with levels rising significantly for labor. In the third trimester, prostaglandins are critical hormone-like substances that initiate and sustain the physiological processes of labour, including cervical ripening, uterine contractions, and membrane rupture.

Stress reduction

It is very common to experience fear, anxiety, and stress regarding upcoming labor. During pregnancy and labor, stress triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can inadvertently slow labour progress and increase pain levels. To facilitate effective contractions, the body instead requires a flow of oxytocin.

Acupuncture can be a valuable tool during this time, as it supports the release of endorphins and serotonin while inhibiting cortisol. These "feel-good" hormones help to significantly reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and relax physical tension.

First birth

Because the uterus, cervix, and pelvic muscles are experiencing the process of labour for the first time, a first birth typically takes longer. Your cervix must learn how to soften, thin, and open, which often involves a longer period of building toward established labour. In subsequent births, the cervix may dilate and thin simultaneously, which often shortens the early phase. Given these factors, I recommend an earlier start for your labour preparation to support this process. 

The safety of both mother and baby is my utmost priority. I thoroughly review all information regarding previous birth experiences and the current pregnancy, including health issues and input from obstetricians and midwives.

About the Author

Youngmi Choi

Ripple Acupuncture | Charlestown | Newcastle

As an AHPRA-registered acupuncturist with 15 years of nursing experience, I offer safe, effective, and holistic care. My special interests include pain management, psycho-emotional well-being, digestive balance, and women’s health & fertility. My approach is outcome-focused, and clients receive a clear care plan with personalized lifestyle advice.

If you have any questions about your birth prepration, please make an online booking, submit an online enquiry or call me on 0402 474 884. 

Follow me on

Reference

Rabl M, Ahner R, Bitschnau M, Zeisler H, Husslein P. Acupuncture for cervical ripening and induction of labor at term--a randomized controlled trial. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2001 Dec 17;113(23-24):942-6. PMID: 11802511.

Smith CA, Armour M, Dahlen HG. Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD002962. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub4. 

Zamora-Brito, M., Migliorelli, F., Perez-Guervos, R., Salans-Oliva, R., Arranz-Betegon, A., Palacio, M. Acupuncture before planned admission for induction of labor (ACUPUNT study): a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM. 2024; 6(10): 101477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajogmf.2024.101477. 

Gaudernack, L.C., Forbord, S., Hole, E. Acupuncture administered after spontaneous rupture of membranes at term significantly reduces the length of birth and use of oxytocin. A randomized controlled trial. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2010; 85(11): 1348-1353.  https://doi.org/10.1080/00016340600935839. 

Prevost M, Zelkowitz P, Tulandi T, Hayton B, Feeley N, Carter CS, Joseph L, Pournajafi-Nazarloo H, Yong Ping E, Abenhaim H, Gold I. Oxytocin in pregnancy and the postpartum: relations to labor and its management. Front Public Health. 2014 Jan 27;2:1. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00001. PMID: 24479112; PMCID: PMC3902863.

Alfirevic Z, Keeney E, Dowswell T, et al. Which method is best for the induction of labour? A systematic review, network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis. Southampton (UK): NIHR Journals Library; 2016 Aug. (Health Technology Assessment, No. 20.65.) Chapter 1, Introduction. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK379826/

Slade P, Sheen K, Weeks A, Wray S, De Pascalis L, Lunt K, Bedwell C, Thompson B, Hill J, Sharp H. Do stress and anxiety in early pregnancy affect the progress of labor: Evidence from the Wirral Child Health and Development Study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2021 Jul;100(7):1288-1296. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14063. Epub 2021 Feb 5. PMID: 33543770; PMCID: PMC8359214.

Walter MH, Abele H, Plappert CF. The Role of Oxytocin and the Effect of Stress During Childbirth: Neurobiological Basics and Implications for Mother and Child. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Oct 27;12:742236. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.742236. PMID: 34777247; PMCID: PMC8578887.

Lee, E.J., Warden, S. The effects of acupuncture on serotonin metabolism. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2016; 8(4): 355-367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2016.06.022. 

The Royal Women’s Hospital (2026). Stages of labour;  [reviewed 2026 Jan 19]. Available from: https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/pregnancy-and-birth/labour-birth/stages-of-labour

Acupuncture Yogi (2026). Pregnancy, Labour Preparation & Post Birth Care;  [reviewed 2026 Jan 19]. Available from: https://www.acupunctureyogi.com/pregnancy-labour-preparation-post-partum

#acupuncturecharlestown #acupuncturenewcastle #acupuncture #acupuncturenearme #acupuncturenewcastlensw #chineseacupuncture #chinesemedicinenewcastle #acupuncturepregnancynearme #birthpreparation #preparebirth #labourprep #pregnancyacupuncture