Can Acupuncture Be Used To Induce Labor? It is a common question in practice. The answer is yes. Using acupuncture in order to induce labor is an effective treatment option that prepares the baby and the mother for a smooth and safe delivery. Several women have been induced using acupuncture.
All women who use acupuncture induction will give birth within 48 hours. They were all slightly “overdue” according to their physicians. The average labor time was 4 – 5 hours. Many acupuncture points are not used during pregnancy because of the stimulating effects they have on the body.
These are the exact ones that are used during labor induction. Since it is not a harsh manual process or strong medication, this type of treatment is quite relaxing and feels good. This extra boost of rest is important for the energy needed for labor and delivery.
So, how does acupuncture work for labor induction?
Acupuncture assists to soften your cervix, it stimulates your uterus and produce the contractions and also relax your body, which will essentially get the baby moving. Patients are saying, “Wow, the baby is very active when on treatment!”
The idea behind acupuncture treatment is to move the baby downward. E-stim will stimulate and enhance the effects of movement. The points which are done on an induction treatment. These points are contraindicated in the pregnancy since they will stimulate the uterine contractions.
Acupuncture and Pregnancy Facts
The study undertaken at North Carolina University discovered that pregnant women receiving acupuncture are likely to get into labor with no medical push. The study included 56 women who were 39.5 to 41 weeks pregnant. Half of them received three sessions of acupuncture, but the remaining half didn’t.
70% of the women who got acupuncture on their own, got into labor this was compared to the 50% women who got standard care. These women who got acupuncture were less likely to give birth through cesarean section — thirty-nine percent compared to seventeen percent. Another report by Australian researcher indicated that by using the acupuncture in stimulating labor in overdue mothers to be had a success rate of 88%.
Understanding how acupuncture can induce labor
Using acupuncture for labor induce is a different experience. Depending on the practitioner, acupuncture needles will be inserted in strategic locations in the hands, feet and lower leg. The needles are solid and extremely thin. The insertion is not painful.
The needles will create stimulation in your body that is used in reprogramming the mother energy in a way to get your body ready for labor. With some women, this can be a significant change. Rarely is Labor expected to start immediately, However, some women do experience labor instantly on several occasions.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is an effective means of inducing labor. If you compare it to the potential Pitocin side effects, Pitocin is an alternative for acupuncture, it is very clear that the acupuncture needs to be the first line for induction. There are no known side effects of Acupuncture, as the needles do not get closer to the abdomen and there is no possible negative side effect for the baby.