Are you pregnant and close to or past your due date? Have you been given a deadline by your Obstetrician? Does it seem like everything is pointing towards a C-section that is not part of your birth plan?
In such cases, there are a couple of interventions for bringing on labor that have been tried as an alternative to a medical induction. If you are open to receiving TCM Pregnancy Treatments like acupunture to bring on labor, please read on.
There are some signs that will tell you that labor has begun.
Here is a list of things that you can try as an alternative to a medical induction:
There are some Chinese herbs that may help with starting the contractions. These herbs help with circulation in the pelvis and promote uterine contraction.
One such herb is called Leonurus Artemisia, also known as Chinese Motherwort. Some of you may have heard of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, but Leonurus is definitely worth knowing for its uterine tonic and emmenagogic properties!
Acupuncture helps potentiate physiological processes preceding labor by causing the uterus to contract at this time. The acupuncture will get the uterus used to the idea of contraction, but in a gentle way.
We do not call it an induction of labor as it is a process that is mild enough to be considered as aligned to facilitating the body’s own physiology.
To a large extent, we do not want to force the baby to come down. We just want to nudge the body along in doing the work.
Acupuncture does it very well. Most recipient do not experience the strong contractions associated with PROM or Pitocin. Instead, the common response is that “the baby is moving more,” likely due to a low level increase in uterine activity.
The use of acupuncture to turn breeches as well as acupuncture to bring on labor have been documented throughout the history of Chinese medicine.
There are differences between these two treatment objectives.
When acupuncture is used to turn breech babies, the acupuncture points used are more of a nudge than a contraction. When we give such treatments, the outcome we are looking for is that the baby goes head-down. It doesn’t need too forceful a treatment and usually just replies on consistent ‘nudges’ that communicate ‘head-down’ to your baby.
When acupuncture is used to bring on labor, we are using stronger acupuncture points that are known to cause uterine contraction. These points are contraindication during the rest of pregnancy, but can be especially useful when you are close to or past your EDD.
Possible stage of Medical Induction
The first line of intervention is intravaginal prostaglandin application. This can be in the form of a gel, but is often a pessary placed intravaginally. What happens is the prostaglandin (which is the cause of menstrual cramps) will facilitate contraction of the uterus, while also ripening the cervix.
Once the cervix is ripened adequately (soft, thin and dilated), the next line of intervention would the to break the waterbag. This is called PROM or premature rupture of membranes. PROM usually causes some level of painful contractions.
Then there is the use of Pitocin that helps maintain contractions to a certain frequency.
We know from Rabl et al (2001) that the use of acupuncture may reduce the percentage of post-date inductions.
In the study, it was found that:
In a study by Harper et al (2006) of 56 women at 39+ weeks of pregnancy, we know that acupuncture is a safe intervention that can help
The stats below:
In a study by Laura Gaudet et al (2008), which is a first-of-its-kind pilot study involving sham acupuncture, we know that
While the number and frequency of treatments was set to 2 a week, it is not unreasonable to believe that increased frequency would only increase efficacy.
The results were:
Acupuncture is one of the least aggressive ways to help bring on labor if you are past EDD as a pregnant lady.
This intervention make even more sense when you are hoping for a natural birth, but are giving a timeline from your obstetrician.
There are many acupuncturists all over the world who do this. Just make sure you find an acupuncturist who has had enough training and experience in this work.
There’s no guaranteed quick method, but common natural options include walking, nipple stimulation, sex, or certain labor-inducing foods. However, these methods only work if your body is ready. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying anything.
Most practitioners recommend starting weekly acupuncture sessions from 36 or 37 weeks of pregnancy. For labor induction specifically, 2–3 sessions may be needed within a few days to encourage progress, depending on how your body responds.
While generally safe with a trained practitioner, potential downsides include bruising, mild pain at needle sites, dizziness, or ineffective results. It’s also not suitable for high-risk pregnancies without medical supervision.
Acupuncture to prepare for birth is usually started at 36–37 weeks. For labor induction, it’s often used around 39–41 weeks or once a woman is overdue, depending on health status and practitioner guidance.
You can begin gentle acupressure at 37 weeks to prepare the body, and more targeted techniques may be used at full term (around 39–40 weeks) to help encourage contractions. It’s best to follow a practitioner’s guidance for correct pressure points.
Certain types of massage, especially those focusing on acupressure points (like around the ankles, hands, and lower back), may help stimulate labor if the body is ready. While not a guarantee, it can promote relaxation and possibly encourage contractions.
Yes, acupuncture is generally considered safe at 36 weeks if performed by a licensed practitioner experienced in prenatal care. It can help with discomfort, stress, and birth preparation, though it’s not typically used to induce labor this early.
Gently roll or massage one nipple at a time with fingers or a warm cloth for 15–20 minutes, switching sides, up to an hour a day. This mimics nursing and may release oxytocin, which can trigger contractions. Always stop if contractions become too strong or frequent.
Yes, when done by a certified and experienced practitioner, acupuncture is considered a safe, low-risk option for encouraging labor in full-term pregnancies. It’s often used as a gentle alternative before medical induction.
Natural methods to soften the cervix include eating dates (from around 36 weeks), having sex (prostaglandins in semen can help), nipple stimulation, and using evening primrose oil (consult your provider first). Staying relaxed and moving regularly may also help the process.
Soma Clinic is a top TCM clinic in Singapore for labor induction. Dr. Mark Chern has deep experienced in working with pregnant women from the first trimester through to postpartum. More than a decade ago, he was working in 2 natural birthing clinic in Indonesia, and that was where it all started. He hold a doctorate in Chinese Medicine from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine and part of his expertise is in treating skin conditions – see www.chinesedoc.sg.
We do a fantastic job of assisting you if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or experiencing challenges after birth.
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