Acupressure During Pregnancy
Acupressure is acupuncture without needles and has been reported as useful for pain in labour, limiting intervention as outlined in the research at the bottom of the page. Clinically, midwives and Chinese medicine (CM) practitioners use acupressure (and acupuncture) for numerous issues perinatally.
Debra Betts has worked with NZ midwives and developed lot of free resources available online about maternity acupressure including videos of the acupoints. Kate Levett also has a great quick reference guide for acupressure use during labour and birth.
This post highlights free offerings available online around this subject - links go through to relevant pdfs/pages for acupressure.
These are basic guidelines only. Please consult your healthcare provider that has knowledge on these techniques for more specific guidance on what would be suitable for you if you have certain medical conditions.
Pre-Birth acupressure
Pre-birth acupressure can be used from around 36 weeks or when your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) suggests if you have an early induction booked.
Acupressure for Pain during Labour
Acupressure Might be supportive for Specific problems around Labour
Assisted induction of labour (for when you have a scheduled induction or your LMC suggests only).
Post-natal Acupressure
Acupressure might support let down reflex and increase milk flow for breast feeding.
Acupressure has been found to be useful along with other complementary therapies in reducing C-sections and medical intervention (Levett et al., 2016). A Cochrane review (Smith et al 2020) reported acupressure might be useful for pain management during labour and acupressure vs control and usual care, may reduce pain during labour as well as the need for C-Sections.
