Women’s Health Services
What is Acupuncture & Reflexology for Labour Preparation?
Acupuncture and Reflexology are gentle, natural therapies that can support your body and mind in the final weeks of pregnancy to enhance your labour journey.
Reflexology uses gentle pressure on specific points of the feet that correspond to different areas of the body, helping to calm the nervous system and support hormonal balance.
Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to support circulation, reduce stress, and prepare the body for labour.
They are both safe, complementary therapies used in the later stages of pregnancy to get your body prepared to give birth. Both treatments are designed to promote relaxation, balance hormones, reduce tension, and encourage optimal conditions for labour to begin naturally. These treatments can be particularly effective for expecting mothers that are past their due date.
Women’s Health Services
What we help to treat
These therapies are often chosen by expectant mothers in the final weeks of pregnancy to support:
- Preparing the body for natural labour
- Reducing anxiety, stress, and muscular tension
- Improving sleep and energy levels
- Supporting hormonal balance
- Relieving late pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, pelvic tension & swelling
- Encouraging relaxation and a sense of readiness for birth
- Supporting labour induction
Women’s Health Services
What to expect from Labour Preparation Therapies
Both treatments are deeply relaxing and designed to leave you feeling calmer, more balanced, and physically and mentally prepared for your labour journey.
The goals of the treatment are to:
- Promote relaxation and reduce stress
- Prepare the body for labour in a natural way
- Ease discomforts common in late pregnancy
- Encourage a sense of calm and readiness
Women’s Health Services
How your appointment will look
You will be greeted and welcomed into the consultation room by your therapist. You will discuss your pregnancy journey, any difficulties or symptoms, and birthing preferences. You will then be asked to lie comfortably on a treatment couch, often supported by pillows and bolsters, before your chosen therapy begins.
For Reflexology: Your Reflexologist will use a variety of pressure and relaxation techniques on your feet. Throughout the appointment they may also check in to see how you are feeling and if there are any specific issues they have picked up on.
The appointment will conclude with you given some time to readjust before leaving the treatment room. Your reflexologist will also provide recommendations on follow up sessions to support your pregnancy goals.
For Acupuncture: Your acupuncturist will gently insert the needles into specific points. It is advised to wear comfortable clothing, and you may be asked to remove items of clothing depending on where the needles need to be inserted. The needles are typically left in place for 20–30 minutes while you relax. You will also be provided with an alarm to notify the acupuncturist if you need anything when the needles are in place.
Your session will conclude with your Acupuncturist removing the needles, and you will have some time to adjust and feedback anything. They will offer recommendations on self-care actions and follow‑up appointments, to support your pregnancy goals.
Typically for best results, at least 3 treatments are recommended which are timed every other day prior to your due date.
Support your journey into motherhood with calm and confidence. Book your Reflexology or Acupuncture session for labour preparation today.
