The Most Important Birth Prep Services to Consider

Pregnancy is such a transformative journey, and considering the right birth prep services for you is so important. Many new moms assume that labor and delivery are purely instinctual. But in reality, proper preparation can make a huge difference in outcomes. See below for some of the most essential services to consider during pregnancy—along with supporting evidence.

1. Hire a Doula – Most Important of Birth Prep Services

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. You can read about my lifechanging experience with a doula. Studies have consistently shown that hiring a doula can lead to better birth outcomes, including:

• Shorter labors and reduced need for interventions (e.g., epidurals, Pitocin, or cesarean sections)
• Lower risk of cesarean birth (39% lower according to some studies)
• Higher satisfaction with the birth experience

🔗 Research:

• A Cochrane review of 26 studies found that continuous support from a doula significantly reduces the likelihood of medical interventions and increases positive birth experiences. (Source)
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) acknowledges that doula support is linked to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. (Source)

2. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy – Not Just for Recovery

Many women experience pelvic pain, ligament stretching, and skeletal changes during pregnancy. A pelvic floor physical therapist (PT) can provide specialized treatment to:

• Alleviate pelvic and lower back pain
• Teach perineal strengthening and pushing techniques to reduce tearing
• Improve core stability and prevent urinary incontinence postpartum

Most first-time moms don’t know how to push effectively, leading to increased risk of perineal trauma. Pelvic PTs teach techniques that improve coordination between abdominal and pelvic floor muscles for a more controlled birth.

🔗 Research:

• Studies show that pelvic floor training reduces the risk of severe perineal tears and incontinence postpartum. (Source)
• The American Physical Therapy Association supports pelvic PT for pregnancy-related pain and labor prep. (Source)

3. Prenatal Acupuncture – A Natural Way to Prepare Your Body

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to support pregnancy and labor, and modern research confirms its effectiveness. This is not a random “woo-woo” practice. I felt a difference immediately after my sessions, and I felt cramping that I attribute to my cervix preparing to dilate. A prenatal acupuncturist can help with:

• Cervical ripening – Preparing the cervix for labor
• Reducing pain and discomfort in the later stages of pregnancy
• Improving gestational diabetes management – Some women experience temporary reductions in insulin resistance after acupuncture, which I personally noticed while tracking my blood sugar with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

🔗 Research:

• A study published in the journal BMJ Open found that acupuncture helps ripen the cervix and reduce labor duration. (Source)
• Research from the Journal of Endocrinology suggests acupuncture may improve insulin sensitivity in gestational diabetes. (Source)

4. Prenatal Chiropractic Care – Essential for Alignment and Baby Positioning

Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy are not just for back pain—they can also:

• Help position a breech baby by aligning the pelvis
• Reduce lower back and hip pain
• Improve pelvic alignment for a smoother labor and delivery

It’s best to start prenatal chiropractic care in the second or third trimester, especially if dealing with pain or concerns about baby’s position.

🔗 Research:

• A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that prenatal chiropractic care helps with pain relief and improves maternal function. (Source)
• Chiropractic adjustments may improve fetal positioning, reducing the need for interventions. (Source)

Timeline for Hiring Key Birth Prep Services

Here’s the recommended order for hiring each service, from earliest to latest:

1. Doula – Hire ASAP (ideally by 12 weeks)
   • Doulas book up quickly, so securing one early ensures availability and gives you time to build a relationship before labor.
2. Pelvic PT Specialist – Start around 20 weeks
   • Helps with ligament pain, posture adjustments, and perineal training for labor. The earlier you start, the more time you have to strengthen and prepare.
3. Chiropractor – Start around 28 weeks
   • Supports pelvic balance and baby positioning, which becomes crucial in the third trimester, especially if there’s any risk of breech positioning.
4. Acupuncturist with Prenatal Experience – Start around 32 weeks
   • Helps with cervix ripening, labor preparation, and gestational diabetes management (if applicable). Many start weekly acupuncture in the final month for maximum benefits.

Final Thoughts

Each of these services can enhance your comfort, confidence, and birth experience in different ways. Whether it’s hiring a doula for emotional support, strengthening your pelvic floor, using acupuncture for labor prep, or aligning your pelvis with chiropractic care, these evidence-based approaches can set you up for an easier labor and recovery.

Are you considering any of these services for your pregnancy? Let me know in the comments!