Pre-Labor Acupuncture

I have had really great success treating pregnant women and helping them to get into labor "on-time". In this litigious day and age very few women are allowed to carry past 41 weeks. Unfortunately, babies do not always agree with this time line which, leads to anxious moms thinking about pitocin, cervadil or a scheduled section date. Stressed out moms make for tight muscles and a tense cervix which, is less than optimal if you are trying to go into labor.

I have had the fortune of working with a lot of pregnant women and have had great success with a pre-labor protocol that was created by Debra Betts, a renowned midwife and acupuncturist from New Zealand. I have noticed that most of the women who have gotten the pre-labor treatment go into labor "on time" usually by 40 weeks, and have had relatively short, unmedicated labors. It is rare that the women even need acupuncture induction to start labor.

The treatment commences at about 36-37 weeks gestation and ends at the onset of labor. Treatment consists of a core group of acu-points that help facilitate muscle relaxation, a softening of the cervix and relaxation for the mind. During treatment I also addresses acute and constitutional issues that may be affecting the woman. This could be reflux, insomnia, back pain etc...

A recent study showed a 35% reduction in the number of inductions, (for first-time mothers this was a 43% reduction) and a 31% reduction in the epidural rate. When compared to a local midwifery practice (with no acupuncture) there was 32 % reduction in emergency Cesarean Sections and a 9% increase in normal vaginal births. Read the full study: http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/aama_marf/journal/vol17_3/article_2.html

I am offering a Holiday Baby Special! Anyone who signs up for a pre-birth treatment before January 1ts 2009 saves $50.00 off the regular price. For first time patients the cost is $275 which includes an initial one and a half hour intake and treatment and three follow up visits. If you have seen me before the cost is $250.00 for four visits.

Please log onto www.ancientcurrent.com to make an appointment.