Can acupuncture be used to induce labor?  Absolutley! This week alone I received two calls to my office from moms to be, looking to schedule an appointment, one of them said it was a suggestion from her doctor. So how does acupuncture do this? Acupuncture needles, which are only about the width of a single strand of hair, are placed in strategic locations on the hands, lower legs, feet and top of the shoulder area. These are points that are considered to be very moving,create a downward pulling effect or spread strongly outward. They have been clinically proven to cause contractions and start the process of labor. Depending on the practitioner, they may use a mild electro-stimulation attached to the needles.  This would create a slightly stronger sensation around the needle, not painful or uncomfortable in any way.  The acupuncture treatment, with or withouth the electro-stimulation creates an activation and change of energy within the mothers body and gets the process of labor started. The majority of women using acupuncture induction go into labor within 48 hours, a small percentage will begin contractions during the treatment or within a few hours. There are times when more than one treatment will be needed. 

The good news is acupuncture has no known side effects, besides relieving stress and inducing complete relaxation.  With the needle insertions being  placed away from the abdomen there is no worry of harming the baby.  If you are considering acupuncture to induce labor, find an acupuncturist during your pregnancy to discuss the process and plan an appointment.  If you have never had an acupuncture treatment, schedule one rather than waiting until your due date.You will have had the experience of an acupuncture treatment and will not be walking into an unfamiliar office meeting the practitioner for the first time.  If you have any questions feel free to call me at Inside Out Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine,(508)294-1526.   

Best wishes- Michelle