Acupressure: Home treatment to prepare for labour
Many people wish to minimise or avoid medications and medical interventions during labour. Acupressure is increasingly used by pregnant people and their birthing partners to proactively support the body in the month leading up to the baby’s due date. Learning and practising acupressure during this time has the added benefit of empowering birthing partners to support labour by helping progress contractions, manage pain, and encourage effective labour.
From week 36, acupressure can be seen as daily mini-treatments that may help ease tension in both body and mind, optimise the baby’s position, support cervical softening, reduce stress, and enhance bonding. When the body is ready, acupressure may also assist with the onset and progression of effective contractions. It’s important to refrain from using these acupressure points before week 36, as many are traditionally contraindicated during earlier pregnancy.
Some of my favourite points to teach include BL60, BL67, and GB21, which can assist the baby’s descent; SP6 to support cervical readiness; and LI4 (CO4) to help with pain and, when all else is ready, to stimulate contractions. The resource I recommend the most is by Debra Betts, a pioneer in the modern use of acupuncture in pregnancy and childbirth. You can find her manual here.
Need more of an incentive to start practising? A 2025 scientific review found that acupressure during labour shortened labour, reduced pain and increased maternal satisfaction with the birth process. Effectiveness, however, depends on the accurate location of acupuncture points—so early practise is key!
Here at Papaya Clinic, we love to empower our patients to master their own health, however, it's equally imperative to remember that if there are issues of pain, anxiety, fatigue, nausea or if baby is in breach position, that an acupuncturist be consulted to address these as soon as possible, as they all impact the unfolding of natural childbirth, not to mention your experience of pregnancy.
If you want to learn more, come and see us in clinic today!
Written by Christine Guirguis
AHPRA registered
Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association
Obstetric Acupuncture Association
Australian Integrative Medicine Association
Christine Guirguis is an acupuncturist at Papaya Clinic with more than 25 years’ experience in acupuncture and integrative women’s healthcare. She has undertaken additional training in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine to support fertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. Christine is a member of the international Obstetrical Acupuncture Association and is dedicated to advancing safe and effective care throughout the reproductive journey.
Her commitment to sharing knowledge has led her to train traditional and professional midwives in Mexico and Guatemala in acupuncture protocols for pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Christine is passionate about empowering women and families to navigate their health with confidence and is known for her practical wisdom and collaborative approach.
