BREECH BABIES
If bub is not in the optimal position such as breech, we recommend coming to an acupuncturist for our traditional method of ‘turning the baby’ with moxa. This is best done between 28-37 weeks where it helps to stimulate maternal hormones which can encourage very gentle contractions in the uterine lining and encourage the baby to move. While it is not well understood from a western medical perspective the mechanism by which this works, it is widely observed that for many cases, it is beneficial. Sessions are comfortable and relaxing, and should be done daily. A single session may not turn the baby so session and we provide training and a moxibustion stick that the patient can take home to continue treatment.
PRE-BIRTH LABOUR PREPARATION / INDUCTION
Here at Ben&biao we use acupuncture to prepare the body for optimal labouring. As the body comes into the final few weeks of pregnancy the pelvic ligaments need to soften and loosen and the body will commence it’s ‘practice contractions’ called ‘Braxton hicks’ contractions. There are many reasons this may be delayed or prevented from occurring – eg: stress, lack of sleep, fatigue and long term nausea earlier in the pregnancy are just a few reasons. We recommend pre-birth acupuncture treatments in the final weeks of pregnancy to help prepare both mind and body for a welcoming and calm, optimal labour process. This is usually started at week 36. Some research suggests that women who undergo birth preparation acupuncture have shorter labour times and a decreased rate of intervention, including inductions and caesareans (References below).
This is also an opportunity to address other issues which may hae arisen during pregnancy such as hypertension, insomnia, heartburn or posterior positioned babies. Our treatments aim to provide you with more energy, lower stress levels and generally encourage the body’s natural progression towards the onset of labour.
Throughout Labour Preparation treatments we also educate our patients about Acupressure and how they and their partner can use this technique as part of Labour.,
When appropriate, we can also provide Chinese herbs from 40 weeks plus to help induce labour.
If you want help with labour induction see here
If you would like support for breech or pre birth preparation please book here or contact the clinic for a first appointment.
References
LABOUR INDUCTION / CERVICAL RIPENING / DURATION OF LABOUR
- Smith CA, Crowther CA, Grant SJ. Acupuncture for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD002962. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub3.
- Rabl M, Ahner R, Bitschnau M, Zeisler H, Husslein P. Acupuncture for cervical ripening and induction of labour at term – a randomised controlled trail. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2001; 113 (23-24): 942-6.
- [Zeisler H, Tempfer C, Mayerhofe Kr, Barrada M, Husslein P. Influence of acupuncture on duration of labour Gynecol Obstet Invest 1998; 46:22-5.
- Betts, D 2006, The Essential Guide in Pregnancy & Childbirth, The Journal of Chinese Medicine Ltd. England
BREECH BABIES
- https://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/acupuncture/fact-sheets/evidence-base-acupuncture-and-moxibustion-breech-presintation/
- Coyle ME, Smith CA, Peat B. Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD003928. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003928.pub3
- Cardini F, Weixin H. Moxibustion for correction of breech presentation. JAMA 1998; 280:1580-1584
PAIN RELIEF IN LABOUR
- Betts D, Lennox S. Acupuncture for prebirth treatment: An observational study of its use in midwifery practice. Medical acupuncture 2006 May; 17(3):17-20
- Elden H, Ladfors l, Fagevik Olsen M, Ostaard H, Hagberg H. Effects of acupuncture and stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain: randomised singleblind controlled trail. BMJ 2005;330:761.
- Kubista E, Kucera H. Geburtshilfe Perinatol 1974; 178 224-9.
- Smith CA, Collins CT, Crowther CA, Levett KM. Acupuncture or acupressure for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD009232. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009232.
THREATENED MISCARRIAGE : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342918/