Acupuncture to Prepare for Labour and When You’re Overdue
The last weeks of pregnancy can feel like the longest. Once you pass your due date, the conversation with your midwife often turns to induction, and many women come to us at this point hoping to give their body every chance to start labour on its own.
We have supported women through the end of pregnancy for over 25 years. We think pre-birth acupuncture is one of the most useful things we do: not because it switches labour on, but because it helps you arrive at labour calm, rested and physically ready.
Book an initial consultation or call 0207 935 2030 for a free 15-minute chat.
How we approach it
Labour can be held back for many reasons: the baby’s position, how ready the cervix is, and very often anxiety. Stress hormones such as adrenaline work against oxytocin, the hormone that drives contractions. That is why women who are frightened of being induced, often after a difficult first birth, can find themselves stuck. Part of our job is helping you feel settled enough to let labour begin.
- Pre-birth sessions from 37 weeks: weekly, to prepare the body and mind for labour. This is where we think acupuncture is most useful.
- From your due date: sessions can increase to every second day. Two or three sessions are typical, ideally finishing before any medical induction date.
- Acupressure for home: we teach you and your birth partner points to use between sessions and in early labour.
What the research shows
We want to be straight with you about the evidence.
- Smith, Armour and Dahlen, 2017 (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) — found no clear evidence that acupuncture or acupressure reduces caesarean rates, but some evidence from small trials that acupuncture improved how ready the cervix was for labour. More good-quality trials are needed.
We offer pre-birth acupuncture to support you and help your body prepare. We don’t offer it as a guaranteed way to start labour.
A case history
Sally (not her real name) had been induced with her first baby, a long labour that ended with an epidural and forceps. Second time round, she was anxious about going through the same thing. She came for weekly acupuncture from 36 weeks, and had a final session four days after her due date. Her labour started on its own the following evening, and her baby boy was born eight hours later without pain relief. Every labour is different and we can’t promise the same result, but Sally’s story is typical of how much feeling calm and prepared can matter.
Your midwife’s advice comes first
Pregnancy after 41 weeks carries extra risks for some babies, which is why induction is offered. Please never delay a medical induction your midwife or obstetrician has recommended in order to have acupuncture. We plan our sessions around your hospital dates, not the other way round, and we are always happy to talk to your midwife.
What to expect
Your first appointment lasts an hour. We ask about your pregnancy, your due date and any hospital plans, and agree a plan with you. 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 I start pre-birth acupuncture?
We usually start weekly sessions from 37 weeks. If you are already past your due date, we can see you every second day until your induction date.
Can acupuncture start my labour?
It may help your body prepare, but the research doesn’t show it reliably starts labour or prevents a caesarean. We focus on getting you physically and emotionally ready, which is something we see help again and again.
Is it safe at the end of pregnancy?
Acupuncture from a qualified practitioner is generally well tolerated in pregnancy. Please tell us if you have any complications, such as high blood pressure, placenta praevia or reduced movements, as these change what we do.
Will it affect my hospital induction?
No. Acupuncture doesn’t interfere with a medical induction. Some women have a final session the day before their induction date.
Can my birth partner come?
Yes, please bring them. We teach acupressure points they can use at home and during early labour.
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: Pain relief in labour · Breech presentation · Back and pelvic pain in pregnancy · Pregnancy care
Written by The London Acupuncture Clinic’s practitioner team.
