Using Acupuncture to Help Induce Labour.
Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. In recent years, it has gained popularity as an alternative therapy for inducing labour in pregnant women. This practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, which are believed to stimulate the flow of energy or qi, and promote natural labour. In this blog post, we will explore the use of acupuncture for inducing labour, its benefits, and the evidence supporting its effectiveness.
Acupuncture for Inducing Labour
Acupuncture is a safe and non-invasive method of inducing labour that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, which are believed to stimulate the flow of energy or qi and promote natural labour. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin and cause little to no discomfort when inserted. The procedure is performed by a trained acupuncturist and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Inducing Labour
Acupuncture has several benefits for pregnant women who are looking to induce labour naturally. Some of these benefits include:
Safe and Non-Invasive: Acupuncture is a safe and non-invasive method of inducing labour that does not involve the use of drugs or invasive procedures.
Natural and Holistic: Acupuncture promotes natural labour and works with the body's natural processes to encourage the onset of labour.
Reduced Need for Medical Intervention: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the need for medical intervention during labour, including induction with drugs, caesarean sections, and the use of forceps or vacuum extraction.
Reduced Labour Time: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the length of labour, making it a more efficient and less painful process.
Evidence Supporting the Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Inducing Labour
Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for inducing labour. A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials involving 3,834 women found that acupuncture was associated with a significant increase in the rate of spontaneous labour onset and a reduced need for medical induction (1). Another study published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine found that acupuncture was associated with a reduced length of labour and a reduced need for medical intervention during labour (2).
Conclusion
Acupuncture is a safe and non-invasive method of inducing labour that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, which are believed to stimulate the flow of energy or qi and promote natural labour. Acupuncture has several benefits, including reduced need for medical intervention, reduced labour time, and a natural and holistic approach to inducing labour. The evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for inducing labour is promising, making it a viable option for pregnant women looking to avoid medical induction.
References:
Smith CA, Armour M, Dahlen HG. Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;8(8):CD002962. Published 2018 Aug 10. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub4
Betts D, Smith CA, Dahlen HG. The use of acupuncture in labor and delivery care: an integrative review. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2016;29(23):3949-3957. doi:10.3109/14767058.2016.1151599