Preparing for Birth with Acupuncture

Prenatal CareWellnessWomen's HealthWholistic Prenatal Care
Written By Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht

Written by Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht | April 16, 2020

Pre-birth acupuncture is a safe and natural therapy used in the final weeks of pregnancy as the body prepares for labour. Many health care providers (ie. Naturopathic Doctors, Midwives, MD’s [especially in China]) have used it as a part of their patients pre-birth plan and treatment.

Pre-birth acupuncture promotes relaxation of the tendons and ligaments of the pelvis, and encourages gradual softening of the cervix as it prepares for labour. Softening of the cervix is a natural process known as cervical ripening, and is what eventually allows the cervix to dilate during active labour. Supporting the body in this way through acupuncture has been shown to reduce the length of labour and promote normal, uncomplicated vaginal births1.

The beneficial affects of acupuncture in pregnancy expand further. Midwives in New Zealand have reported that women who use acupuncture as part of their pre-birth preparation have a 35% reduction in medical inductions (a 43% reduction in first time moms), 31% reduction in epidurals, and a 32% reduction in emergency caesareans2.

If you are interested in including acupuncture as part of your pre-birth prep, here’s what you can expect:
- Acupuncture treatments are recommended to start at 36-37 weeks gestation.
- 30 minute treatments are done weekly until your baby’s due date.
- If baby has not arrived at 40 weeks, treatments can then be done twice weekly to increase stimulation for labour.  

- Moms-to-be sit or lay comfortably as the practitioner places small, thin acupuncture needles in specific points, typically on the lower leg.
- Your practitioner may choose to add additional points based on your specific needs. For example, if you are feeling a little nervous leading up to labour, acupuncture points can be added for a calming effect.

Wishing you all the best as you prepare to meet your little one!


Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht,
Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht

Naturopathic Doctor

Acupuncturist

References 

1. Betts, D. (2004) The use of acupuncture as a routine pre-birth treatment. Journal of Chinese Medicine, 76.

2. Betts, D. (2006). Acupuncture for prebirth treatment: an observational study of its use in Midwifery practice. Medical Acupuncture, 7(3),16-19

Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht

Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht, BSc, ND is a licensed, board-certified Naturopathic Doctor. She received her Doctorate of Naturopathy from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, to which she was medically trained in standards of practice, clinical diagnosis, physical examination, and naturopathic modalities. Her interest in the functioning of the human body drove her to first receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Anatomy & Cell Biology, and to study other sciences such as physiology, biochemistry, etc. while at the University of Saskatchewan.
Dr. Liebrecht, ND has a general family practice treating a variety of health concerns including women’s health, thyroid disorders, digestive concerns, mood support, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. She is passionate about hormones, and her professional interests include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, fertility, menopause, hypothyroid, and fatigue. She aims to establish health in patients by providing the knowledge and tools to empower people, and take control of their health.

To stay up to date with current medical research and naturopathic treatments, Dr. Liebrecht, ND attends continuing education events and conferences throughout the year. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners (SANP). Dr. Liebrecht, ND serves as Vice President of the SANP.

https://www.sasknaturopath.com
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