Pre-Labor Acupuncture for Delivery Preparation in Multiparous Women Past Age 40

Background: Pregnancies in women over age 40 have higher risk factors for both the mothers and their babies. Rates of cesarean sections are also increased. Acupuncture has been reported as a treatment that has beneficial effects on pregnancy and delivery. This article describes 2 patients older than age 40, who were pregnant and receiving pre-labor acupuncture treatment to prepare for childbirth at a primary health care clinic that provides basic medical services. Cases: The first case was a pregnant woman, age 43, who commenced acupuncture treatment at 36 weeks' gestation. The second case was a pregnant woman, age 42, who commenced acupuncture treatment at 39 weeks' gestation. Prior to labor commencing spontaneously, the first woman received acupuncture 6 times and the second woman received acupuncture 2 times. The acupuncture involved manually inserting needles at the LI 4, ST 36 ,and SP 6 acupoints. Results: Both patients commenced labor spontaneously and had natural vaginal births at term. The infants were in normal weight ranges and were healthy. Conclusions: Acupuncture treatment prior to labor was safe and resulted in spontaneous natural vaginal births for 2 women who were more than 40 years old. Further research is required to examine the potential of pre-labor acupuncture to help women achieve natural vaginal births when maternal age is considered a risk factor.