With this series (Acupuncture/Acupressure), Gina and I both believe that a “natural” induction, is still an induction in a way. You are still using interventions to start labor before you may be ready.
There are risks and benefits to everything we do in life, and for one person it may be worth taking the risk for the benefit while another person it’s not worth it.
We always recommend discussing options with your provider and doing your own research before using any of the induction methods we discuss in this series.
Read our Week 1 Blog: Castor Oil here
What is it?
These are ancient techniques that have been used for thousands of years in Western cultures. Recently though, more are becoming interested in bringing them to the East to utilize and research how effective it is.
Both acupuncture and acupressure is based on the Traditional Chinese theory that there are points (acupoints) in our body along these energy meridians (channels). Along these meridians, our life force (qi) flows.
There are 14 major meridians that connect our body parts to specific organs. When one of these meridians are blocked or out of balance than illness or disease can occur.
Using Acupuncture/Acupressure at one of the points along the meridians can help unblock or rebalance them.
Doing this technique is to promote wellness and relaxation in the body.
Acupuncture
Insertion of fine needles into the acu-points of the body. Typically can only be done by a professional Acupuncturist.
Acupressure
This method involves using the thumbs, fingers, other bony body parts, or devices to apply pressure to specific points in the body linked to different body parts.organs. Thought of to some as needle-less acupuncture.
Will it induce labor based on research?
The evidence does not seem to support doing acupuncture or acupressure will induce labor. It may help more with ripening and softening of the cervix, and maybe helpful during labor to shorten length of labor and decrease labor pains.
Acupuncture
No research to support labor induction with acupuncture, but there was some studies who supported that it can ripen the cervix within the first 24 hours after treatment without any increase in complications.
*Not related to induction but common questions we got in our poll*
- Breech Baby: There is some evidence to support the use of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (burning of Moxa sticks near acu-point to cause a painless sensation) to help babies in the breech presentation to turn!
- Morning Sickness: There is evidence to support that using acupuncture once a week for 4 weeks can be helpful in treating morning sickness! The acu-points are different than for labor.
- P6 is located midline, a few fingers breath, above your inner wrist, is the most common one I could find, but consulting with an acupuncturist is recommended!
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Acupressure
Most of the research showed no difference in labor onset between those who acupressure versus not.
One research studies did show that was an increase in cervical ripening in those that did acupressure (either professionally done or done themselves) versus not.
There is however lots of evidence in support of acupressure used DURING labor. The benefits seen were:
- Decrease pain and anxiety during labor
- Decreased c-section rate
- Decreased need for augmentation with pitocin
- Shorter labor
How do I do it?
Acupuncture
Finding a license acupuncturist in your area is best! There are a few directories to find one.
You can also find ones recommended for pregnancy by word of mouth. Either in Facebook groups, birth groups, or even your provider may have recommendations to reputable acupuncturists.
From an acupuncturist: It is recommended to start earlier in pregnancy and regularly get it done. It is more used to gently prime the body for a smooth labor over a long period of time, not a magic induction bullet.
Acupressure
Usually someone who is an acupressure practitioner is also a licensed massage therapist, but not always a requirement to get acupressure done by a professional.
You can also do acupressure on yourself though! The common spots for Induction or used during labor are:
- LI4 – Large Intestine 4: located between the thumb and index finger in the webbing.
- SP6 – Spleen 6: located inside of the leg just above the ankle.
- BL32 – Bladder 32: located between the lower spine and buttocks. Numbness and tingling can be felt when pressed.
- BL60 – Bladder 60: located just behind the ankle at the top of the achilles tendon.
- GB21 – Gallbladder 21: located above the collarbone in the middle of the shoulder muscle.
Risks & Benefits (induction)
Benefits/Positives
- Increases cervical ripening (Bishop Score)
- No increase risk of c-section, pitocin use, or negative outcomes for baby
- Relaxation and decreased pregnancy discomfort
- When used in labor there are benefits (see above)
Risks/Negatives
- Doesn’t induce labor
- Acupuncture: needles in the skin could cause bleeding or bruising
- Expensive
- Sometimes hard to find practitioners
- Side effect of vagal response: drop in blood pressure, fainting, drowsy
Our Professional Opinion
Roxanne: Labor & Delivery Nurse
I did not know anyone that personally tried Acupuncture for labor induction, or labor pain.
I did consider acupuncture myself though when i was 40 weeks pregnant with zero signs of labor. I made the appointment for the next day, but then I went into labor on my own so didn’t need it.
Acupressure though, i believe that it can help. I got ALL the massages once I was term and the focused on the above points…but still didn’t go into labor till 40+1. I don’t know if it’s the actually clearing and balancing of the meridian, energy channels, or if its the relaxation that comes from getting a massage or acupressure done that makes it work. I have seen it help with labor pain, and labor stalls too!
Mamastefit Survey Results
The Results of our Mini Survey we did on 9/14/2022 on Instagram. We asked out followers about Acupressure/Acupuncture and their experience.
Did you use Acupressure to try to induce labor? We had 605 people answer
- 32% said Yes
- 68% said No
Did it put you into labor? We had 275 people answer:
- 12% said Yes, in less than 24 hours
- 13% said Yes, but took over 24 hours
- 75% said No
Often did you do Acupressure? We had 190 people answer:
- 51% said once a week or less
- 28% said 2-3 times a week
- 6% said 4-6 times a week
- 15% said Everyday
Did you use Acupressure during labor? We had 370 people respond
- 19% said Yes
- 81% said No
Did the Acupressure help with labor pains? We had 125 people respond
- 40% said Yes
- 60% said No
If you used Acupressure to try to induce, did you need to get pitocin? We had 127 people respond
- 46% said yes
- 54% said no
Did you use acupuncture to try to induce labor? We had 293 people respond
- 43% said yes
- 57% said no
Did you go into labor after Acupuncture? We had 190 people respond
- 18% said Yes, in less than 24 hours
- 19% said Yes, but took over 24 hours
- 63% said No
Why did you try acupuncture/acupressure? Most common answers were:
- Breech baby
- little to no risk to trying, and if it didn’t work at least I was relaxed
- Wanted to avoid induction/Desperate
- Non-invasive
- Why not?
- Used during pregnancy for discomfort
Why did you NOT try acupuncture/acupressure? Most common answers were:
- Didn’t know it was an option
- Price and availability lacking
- Used a different induction method
- Needle aversion
Did you notice any change in cervical effacement after acupressure/acupuncture? We had 98 people respond
- 46% said yes
- 54% said no
Did you see a professional or do it yourself? We had 162 people respond
- 73% said Professional
- 19% said Myself
- 7% said Both