Cervical Ripening Acupuncture for Labor Prep

If you're nearing the end of your pregnancy, you may be wondering what natural options are out there to prep for labor and delivery so that it can (hopefully!) go as smoothly as possible. Cervical ripening occurs when the cervix softens and begins to open (dilate) and thin (efface), preparing for baby's birth. The baby then begins to move further into the pelvis and into position. The better the baby's position and the more effaced (thin) the cervix is when a woman goes into labor, the faster and easier the labor tends to be. A ripe cervix can lead to a smoother birth, less need for pain medication, and may lower the risk of requiring a C-section (caesarean birth).

Cervical ripening acupuncture can offer a natural, relaxing method to help the body transition smoothly into birth - without the need for medical induction. Whether you're planning a hospital birth at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital here in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, or a home birth with the support of a midwife, this time-tested treatment can be a valuable part of your pre-labor routine.

Cervical ripening acupuncture usually begins at week 36 or 37 of pregnancy.

What is Cervical Ripening Acupuncture?

Cervical ripening acupuncture is a method from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that focuses on preparing the cervix and body for labor. Typically, this treatment protocol begins at 36 or 37 weeks of pregnancy and continues weekly or twice per week until week 40 to encourage the body's natural processes to gently progress toward labor. Taking 4 weeks to ripen the cervix makes it a slow and easy process for the mother and can make childbirth a little easier. It is crucial that baby's head is down and not breech prior to starting cervical ripening acupuncture.

How Does Cervical Ripening Acupuncture Work?

By stimulating specific acupuncture points, cervical ripening acupuncture can help:

• Encourage cervical softening and dilation

• Support optimal fetal positioning

• Enhance blood flow to the uterus

• Promote the natural release of oxytocin and prostaglandins

• Reduce anxiety and support the mind to prepare for birth

What to Expect During a Session in Antigonish

Dr. Emily's office in Antigonish is a peaceful and serene space to discuss labor prep and have cervical ripening acupuncture, and is only 2 kms away from St. Martha's Regional Hospital. You will need to be a current patient of Dr. Emily's to have cervical ripening acupuncture done, so please be sure to book an initial assessment prior to your acupuncture session. Each session is personalized to you, and will consist of individualized points as well as the most evidence-based acupuncture point protocols for cervical ripening that Dr. Emily has learned from her mentors, research, and continuing education courses. Each week will build onto the previous week until week 40.

During your session at our Antigonish clinic, you will be able to relax on our comfy treatment table with soft lighting, a cozy diffuser, and a sound machine with nature sounds. Ultra-fine, sterile needles will be placed at specific acupuncture points, mainly located on the legs, feet, hands, and head. If you do not want a certain location needled, please let us know. Cervical ripening acupuncture lasts 30-45 mins and will leave you feeling deeply relaxed and grounded.

Cervical Ripening Acupuncture Benefits

A clinical study in New Zealand showed that giving women pre-birth acupuncture resulted in:

• 35% reduction in medical inductions

• 31% reduction in epidurals

• 32% reduction in emergency caesarean

• 9% increase in normal vaginal births

Ready to Prepare for Labor Naturally?

If you're in Antigonish or surrounding areas - New Glasgow, Guysborough, Port Hawkesbury, or Inverness County, we'd love to support you in your pregnancy journey. Book an initial assessment or, if you are already a patient of Dr. Emily's, book your cervical ripening acupuncture session starting at week 36 or 37 of pregnancy. We can't wait to see you in clinic!

Contact Us:

📍 27 Beech Hill Road, Antigonish, Nova Scotia (by appointment only)

📞 (902) 322-3070

📧 doctor.emily@outlook.com

🌐 Book Online: bluebellnaturalmedicine.janeapp.com

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