Acupuncture for birth preparation and birth facilitation is also becoming increasingly popular in Germany. Meanwhile, about a third of women who are pregnant for the first time already rely on the effect of the small needles. A study conducted by the Women’s Clinic in Mannheim, Germany, shows that the procedure shortens the birth time of first-time mothers from ten to eight hours on average. What is behind birth-preparing acupuncture and how does it work?
Relax and gain self-confidence before giving birth
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) procedure. It is a holistic form of therapy that works not only locally – that is, where a stimulus is set by the needle – but in the whole organism. It cannot repair “destructions” in the body, but it can regulate disturbed functions. By inserting the needles into precisely defined points, a disturbed energy flow is restored and the energy between different regions of the body is balanced. Acupuncture is especially suitable for pregnant women who want to prepare for birth in a natural way. And birth-preparing acupuncture can help women to go through childbirth relaxed and trusting in their own strength and energy. The positive effect of acupuncture for general birth preparation, as well as for discomfort during pregnancy and childbirth, has been proven by various studies.
Acupuncture for general birth preparation
A study conducted by the Women’s Clinic in Mannheim* has shown that acupuncture reduces the duration of childbirth in first-time mothers from ten to eight hours on average. This positive effect is due to faster maturation of the cervix (neck of the uterus) and more targeted labor activity in the opening phase; that is, the time until the cervix is fully open. Acupuncture can only shorten this phase, but it has no influence on the expulsion phase. Acupuncture that prepares the woman for childbirth also ensures that she experiences the labor pains less painfully and that the contractions are more targeted in the expulsion phase as well. The birth-shortening effect of acupuncture is triggered only when the woman’s body is ready to give birth naturally. Thus, the treatment has no effect on the delivery date and does not cause premature labor.
Pregnancy discomfort
Typical pregnancy symptoms are:
- Premature labor
- Pregnancy vomiting
- Pain of various kinds
- Anxiety, restlessness, sleep disorders
- High blood pressure caused by pregnancy
- Abnormal positions of the child
Effect during birth
Other studies demonstrate the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief, ease of labor and relaxation during childbirth. It is used at the first more severe discomfort; usually at a cervical opening of four to five centimeters. The acupuncture points for pain relief are located in the area of the woman’s lower abdomen or back. It is also used for problems with the detachment of the placenta (so-called placenta) after the birth of the child.
What happens in the acupuncture session?
Acupuncture for birth preparation is performed either by a gynecologist or a midwife. Both must have completed appropriate advanced training with a final exam. Treatment begins from the 36th week of pregnancy, usually with one 20- to 30-minute session per week. At least three treatments should be performed, four are common. If the deadline has passed, additional sessions are also possible: because especially in a time of constant waiting, many women find the close contact with the midwife or gynecologist very beneficial. And they can particularly benefit from the calming effect of acupuncture during this time of tension.
Implementation of acupuncture treatment
The location of the acupuncture points is precisely determined. The midwife palpates in the corresponding area until the patient signals her a pressure-sensitive point. The needle is brought to a depth of about 0.5 centimeters quickly and without a rotating motion in the first step. The insertion is usually painless because the standard needle is only 0.3 millimeters thick. It is made of flexible steel that can be bent but does not break.Then the needle is advanced under a rapid rotational movement until the so-called de-qi sensation is triggered. This can be a sensation such as warmth, numbness, pressure, heaviness, tingling or even like a tiny, painless electric shock. However, the sensation varies from patient to patient. The depth of the stitches depends on the position of the points and can vary from 5 millimeters to several centimeters, but must be precisely observed. Four points on each side of the body are treated to prepare for birth:
- Below the knee
- In the area of the inner ankle of the foot
- On the upper lateral calf
- On the outer side of the little toe
In addition, a head point can be punctured, which has a general calming effect and helps with anxiety symptoms.
Side effects of acupuncture treatment
Some women experience problems with circulation during treatment. One reason for this, in addition to purely physical causes, may be a general “fear of needles”. For patients with unstable circulation, it is therefore helpful to perform the treatment in a half-sitting, half-lying position with slightly elevated legs. However, the circulatory reaction usually disappears with a further treatment, because the body gets used to the acupuncture and the patient also knows better what to expect during the second session. After acupuncture, the punctured area may be slightly red or a small bruise may form. Both are completely harmless and will disappear on their own.
