Has anyone previously tried acupuncture to jumpstart labor?

leap_frog · December 2015

I'm trying for a vbac but I can't go past my due date and they will only induce me if I start to dilate on my own. If it gets to that point, before we go the medical induction route, my chiro said we can try acupuncture.
We'all discuss at 38 weeks after my next growth scan.

I'm wondering what your experience was and if it worked for you?! Did it work after 1 time or was it multiple visits?

ashhsa · December 2015

My midwife told me she did it with her second as her first was very late and she had to be induced- and she still she went a week over- but did not need an induction- but no idea whether it really helped. She went multiple times from 39 weeks.

BryDienta · December 2015

Lurking from O15. When I was 39 weeks my chiropractor started doing acupressure and did it at 40 weeks as well. When I was 40+3 I got a pedicure with hot stone calf massage and less than 24 hours later I was in labor. At my 40 week apt we scheduled an induction for 41 weeks because they said he wasn't coming naturally. Not sure if it was the accupressure and massage or not but I think they did it for me!

mg137 · December 2015

I'm going for acupuncture Saturday. Not looking to naturally induce yet (I'll be 38+5) but just to ripen cervix and help with lower back and energy levels and stuff. I didn't really buy into it but my doctor friend, my chiro, and my midwife have all said its a good idea so I'm on board.

If I go past due date I'll have her do the points to try to get labor started.

maureenmce · December 2015

Not to hijack the thread at all, but has anyone done acupuncture for sciatic nerve or pelvic girdle pain?

OrangeFox · December 2015

I'm an acupuncturist. Of course I'm biased, but it can do WONDERS for sciatic pain.

As far as jump starting labor, definitely worth a shot. However, I'd recommend looking into an LAc. Many chiropractors use "acupuncture" without going to school. It's only legal in some states. And while there can be some benefits to what they do, they are missing HUGE portions of the training and information. The treatments are not as effective and do not follow the principles of traditional medicine.

CBWifey · December 2015

We went to acupuncture 3 times before membrane stripping at 40 + 5 days with DD, and went into labor immediately after procedure. I believe the accupuncture atleast ripened me to the point that the membrane stripping would work!

claireloSC · December 2015

My birth class teacher said you have to go multiple times for it to work, starting at 37 weeks.

RunnerMeg · December 2015

With DS1 I went multiple times (at least 3 or 4), starting at 40ish weeks. It didn't work. I still had to be induced at 41+4.

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Has anyone previously tried acupuncture to jumpstart labor?

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