Preparing for Labour with Acupuncture: Gentle Support Starting at 34 Weeks

As your due date approaches, your body and mind go through an incredible time of transition. You may feel excited one moment and anxious the next—that’s completely normal. Acupuncture offers a gentle, grounding way to support both your physical preparation and emotional wellbeing as you get ready for labour.

How Does Acupuncture Help?

Starting around week 34 to 36, acupuncture treatments can help:

• Ripen and soften the cervix to encourage dilation

• Promote optimal fetal positioning, including turning breech babies, by relaxing the pelvic and uterine muscles and promoting space for movement

• Encourage regular, effective contractions once labour begins

• Calm the nervous system to reduce anxiety and promote emotional balance

• Support hormonal shifts needed to initiate labour

• Improve energy and stamina, which are essential for a smooth labour process

Rather than “inducing” labour, acupuncture helps your body shift into a more receptive, ready state. It supports your body’s natural timing and rhythm rather than overriding it.

What’s the Recommended Frequency?

Acupuncture is most effective when done consistently. Treatments build on one another, so frequency matters. We generally recommend:

• Weeks 34–36: Once per week

• Weeks 37–39: One to two times per week

• Week 40 and beyond: Two to three times per week (or as needed)

Even if you’re already past your due date, it’s not too late—many women begin in their final week of pregnancy and still benefit. These sessions are tailored to your unique needs, stage of pregnancy, and how your body is responding.

At-Home Support Between Sessions

We often teach patients simple acupressure techniques they can use at home between treatments too. These techniques involve applying firm pressure to certain points to:

• Relieve tension

• Encourage cervical ripening

• Support the body’s labour readiness

You can use these techniques yourself or have your birth partner assist you. Madison is happy to show you exactly where these points are and how to use them during your appointment.

Is It Safe?

Yes—acupuncture is safe, gentle, and deeply relaxing during pregnancy when done by a trained professional. Madison, our Registered Acupuncturist, has helped many pregnant women prepare their bodies and minds for birth. Treatments are always tailored to your comfort level and needs.

More Than Just Physical Prep

Preparing for labour is more than just physical. It’s an emotional shift, a mental adjustment, and a sacred time of waiting. Madison’s approach is rooted in East Asian medicine, which doesn’t force the body into labour but instead supports your natural rhythm. Her treatments provide space for connection, calm, and confidence as you approach one of life’s biggest moments.

Postpartum Acupuncture for Recovery

After birth, acupuncture can continue to support your recovery—whether you're healing from a vaginal delivery or C-section, or simply adjusting to the demands of new motherhood. Postpartum acupuncture may help with:

• Rebuilding energy

• Hormone regulation

• Supporting milk supply

• Managing stress and sleep disruptions

• Encouraging physical healing

  
  

Madison tailors each postpartum treatment based on how your delivery unfolded and what your specific needs and goals are. If you're curious about what postpartum care might look like for you, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to talk through the best plan for your recovery.

Book Your Appointment

If you’re looking for a natural, supportive way to prepare for labour, acupuncture may be a beautiful fit. Madison offers both daytime and evening appointments on select days—check her availability to find a time that works best for you.

📞 Call us at (306) 830-8982

🌐 Or visit https://kathrynkingnd.janeapp.com/ to book online.