Acupuncture and Acupressure for Pain Relief in Labour
Our practitioners don’t usually come to births. What we do instead is put a simple, drug-free tool in your hands, and your birth partner’s. In one session at around 36 weeks, we teach you both acupressure points for each stage of labour, so you have something practical to do from the first tightenings at home through to the birth itself.
Partners often tell us this is the part they value most. It gives them a clear job when they might otherwise feel helpless.
Book an initial consultation or call 0207 935 2030 for a free 15-minute chat.
What the session involves
- When: ideally at around 36 weeks, with your birth partner.
- What you learn: points on the hands, lower legs and lower back, which ones to use in early labour, in established labour and for back pain, and how much pressure to apply.
- Practice: your partner practises on you in the room until you are both confident.
- Take-home guide: an illustrated sheet showing each point, to pack in your hospital bag.
We can also apply small press seeds to points on the ear, which you can press during labour. If you are having back pain or sciatica in the final weeks, we can treat that at the same time.
What the research shows
- Smith et al., 2020 (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) — 28 trials and almost 4,000 women. Moderate-certainty evidence that acupressure probably slightly reduces pain intensity in labour, and that acupuncture, compared with sham, probably reduces the use of pain-relieving drugs. Other comparisons were less certain, and the trials reported little on safety.
In the UK, NICE intrapartum care guidance doesn’t recommend that NHS staff offer acupuncture, acupressure or hypnosis in labour. It does say that if you want to use these techniques, staff should support your choice. That fits how we work: acupressure is something you and your partner bring with you, alongside whatever other pain relief you choose.
Working alongside your birth plan
Acupressure doesn’t replace gas and air, a TENS machine, a pool or an epidural, and it doesn’t stop you using any of them. Think of it as one more thing in your toolkit. It is especially useful in early labour at home, before other options are available.
What to expect
The session lasts an hour and is best with your birth partner there. If you are new to the clinic, we also take your history and can include an acupuncture treatment. Initial consultations start from £80; see clinics and fees for details.
Why The London Acupuncture Clinic
- 25 years treating patients in London, with pregnancy care a core part of our work
- Degree-qualified practitioners experienced in treating women through pregnancy and after the birth
- We work alongside midwives, GPs and consultants
- Early-morning, evening and weekend appointments
- Receipts for insurance claims on request
What our patients say
When should we book the acupressure session?
Around 36 weeks is ideal. It gives you time to practise, and it is before most babies arrive.
Does my partner need to come?
We strongly encourage it. Your partner will be the one using most of the points, so it helps if they learn hands-on. A friend, family member or doula can come instead.
Will you come to the hospital?
Our practitioners don’t usually attend births. The session is designed so you don’t need us there.
Can I use acupressure with an epidural or TENS?
Yes. Acupressure can be used alongside any other pain relief, and it won’t interfere with your care. Let your midwife know you are using it.
Is acupressure safe in labour?
It is simply firm pressure with the fingers or thumbs. Stop if anything feels uncomfortable, and always follow your midwife’s advice.
Book your consultation
Book online or call 0207 935 2030. Not sure if we can help? Ask for a free 15-minute telephone chat.
Related: Induction of labour · Back and pelvic pain in pregnancy · Breech presentation · Postnatal depression · Pregnancy care
Written by The London Acupuncture Clinic’s practitioner team.
