As you reach the final weeks of pregnancy, you may be wondering how to prepare your body naturally for labour. Many women come to my Brighton & Hove acupuncture clinic for safe, gentle support with labour induction (also known as labour priming or pre-birth acupuncture).

Acupuncture at this stage can help your body get ready for birth, encourage the natural onset of labour, and provide you with much-needed relaxation and calm before you meet your baby.

What is Labour Preparation Acupuncture?

Labour preparation, or pre-birth acupuncture, is a treatment approach used in the final weeks of pregnancy to support your body as it transitions towards labour. In Chinese medicine, acupuncture helps to move Qi (energy) smoothly, encourage cervical ripening, and prepare the uterus for contractions.

In practice, this means acupuncture can:

• Encourage the natural onset of labour

• Support cervical softening and uterine readiness

• Reduce the likelihood of medical induction or intervention

• Help manage late pregnancy symptoms (backache, insomnia, pelvic pain, swelling)

• Provide deep relaxation, reducing anxiety and stress before birth

For women in Brighton, Hove, and across Sussex, acupuncture offers a safe and natural way to approach the end of pregnancy with confidence.

What the Research Says

International research supports acupuncture as a safe and effective option for labour induction and pre-birth preparation.

New Zealand midwife and acupuncture specialist Debra Betts has been a leading authority in this area. Her research found that women who received regular pre-birth acupuncture were more likely to go into spontaneous labour, and had lower rates of medical induction and caesarean section.

The conclusion of her studies is clear: acupuncture helps the body prepare for labour in a natural, supportive way. Many midwives now recognise acupuncture as a valuable part of holistic maternity care. You can read more about her work here.

Creating a Safe & Relaxing Space in Brighton & Hove

One of the most important parts of labour preparation acupuncture is not only the points we use, but also the calm, supportive environment in which treatment takes place.

At my Brighton & Hove acupuncture clinic, I offer more than just needles — I provide a safe and soothing space where you can:

• Switch off from stress

• Feel supported and cared for

• Relax deeply and reconnect with your body

• Release anxiety as you prepare for birth

This calming environment helps your nervous system settle into a state of rest and repair, which supports the natural release of oxytocin — the hormone essential for labour to progress smoothly.

Acupuncture & Reflexology for Labour Induction

In addition to acupuncture, I also offer a uniquely calming combination of acupuncture and reflexology. Reflexology works by stimulating specific areas on the feet that correspond to the uterus, pelvis, and nervous system.

Combined with acupuncture, reflexology can:

• Enhance relaxation

• Reduce tension in the body

• Support hormonal balance

• Complement the body’s natural labour processes

Many of my patients in Brighton and Hove find this combination especially grounding in the final weeks of pregnancy, describing it as both restorative and empowering.

Acupressure Guidance for Home

To continue supporting you beyond the clinic, I also provide guidance on safe and effective acupressure points for labour preparation. These points can be used at home by you (or your birth partner) to reinforce the effects of treatment and encourage ongoing relaxation.

This means your care doesn’t stop when you leave my clinic — you’ll have simple, practical tools to use daily as you prepare for labour.

When to Start Labour Preparation Acupuncture

Labour preparation acupuncture can begin from around 36 weeks of pregnancy. Many women choose to start with weekly sessions until birth, while others may come closer to their due date to encourage natural labour if medical induction is being considered.

Every pregnancy is unique, and we will always tailor treatment to your individual needs.

Why Choose My Brighton & Hove Clinic for Labour Induction Acupuncture?

• Experience: I have supported hundreds of women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

• Holistic approach: Acupuncture, reflexology, and acupressure guidance are combined to create a truly personalised treatment.

• Safe & supportive space: My Brighton & Hove clinic is designed to help you feel calm, cared for, and ready.

• Trusted expertise: My practice is informed by international research and years of clinical observation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture safe for labour induction?
Yes. Acupuncture is safe in pregnancy when provided by a qualified practitioner, and is widely recommended as a supportive therapy for labour preparation.

When should I start labour priming acupuncture?
Most women begin at 36 weeks with weekly sessions. Treatment can also be helpful if you are past your due date and want to encourage natural labour.

How many sessions will I need?
Many women choose weekly sessions from 36 weeks until labour begins. If induction is scheduled, treatments may be given more frequently.

Does acupuncture guarantee labour will start?
No therapy can guarantee labour, but research shows acupuncture increases the likelihood of spontaneous labour and may reduce the need for medical induction.

Book Labour Induction Acupuncture in Brighton & Hove

If you’re looking for a safe, natural way to prepare for birth, acupuncture is a wonderful choice. Whether you’re hoping to encourage spontaneous labour, avoid medical induction, or simply relax before the big day, I’d love to support you.

If you’d like to get in touch with Jo, you can email her direct or via the contact form. Free 15 minute consultations are available by phone.