What it is
Labour preparation acupuncture is a course of weekly sessions in the last weeks of pregnancy, from 36 weeks until your baby arrives. It aims to help your body get ready for labour, and to help you rest, sleep and feel calmer as your due date gets closer.
It isn't induction and won't force labour to start. It works alongside your midwife or obstetrician, not instead of them.
What happens in a session
Each session takes about 45 minutes.
- Check-in. We ask how you're sleeping, about any aches, and what your midwife said at your last check.
- Settle in. You lie on your side or recline on pillows, whichever is more comfortable. You won't lie flat on your back.
- Needles. We place six to twelve very fine needles, mostly on your hands, lower legs, feet and shoulders, chosen from the points below.
- Rest. The needles stay in for 20–30 minutes while you rest. Many people fall asleep.
The points we commonly use
Most of these points are avoided earlier in pregnancy, which is why labour preparation starts at 36 weeks. Your practitioner chooses which to use each week, based on how you're feeling.
SP6 Sanyinjiao
Where: Inside of the lower leg, four of your own finger-widths above the most prominent point of the inner ankle bone, just behind the inner edge of the shin bone.
Traditionally used for: Helping the cervix and pelvis get ready for birth. One of the main labour preparation points.
LI4 Hegu
Where: Back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger.
Traditionally used for: Often paired with SP6 Sanyinjiao to support the body's readiness for labour, and to ease tension and pain.
GB21 Jianjing
Where: Top of the shoulder, halfway between the bony bump at the base of the back of the neck and the outer tip of the shoulder.
Traditionally used for: Encouraging the baby to settle downward, and easing neck and shoulder tension. Needled very shallowly.
BL60 Kunlun
Where: Outside of the ankle, in the hollow between the Achilles tendon and the most prominent point of the outer ankle bone.
Traditionally used for: Easing lower-back and pelvic tension in the last weeks, and supporting labour preparation.
BL67 Zhiyin
Where: Outer side of the little toe, about 2 mm from the outer corner at the base of the toenail.
Traditionally used for: Preparing for birth in the final weeks, and when a baby is breech. If your baby is breech, talk to your midwife first.
When to start
Most people start at 36 weeks and come once a week until labour begins. If you're already past 36 weeks, it's still worth coming, so book soon to fit in as many sessions as you can.
If your pregnancy is high-risk or you have a planned caesarean, talk to us first and we'll help you decide whether it's right for you.
Working with your midwife
Many midwives are familiar with labour preparation acupuncture. Let your midwife know you're coming. If they have questions, we're happy to talk with them.
Ready to book? You can book directly online — no referral needed.