Accupuncture to induce Labor

[Ethanmum]

Hi Everyone,

I'm trying for VBAC and I've been getting chiropractic adjustments throughout this pregnancy.

The chiropractor suggested accupuncture starting this thursday, I will be 36 weeks...has anyone heard of this being effective? Or should I avoid this all together.

[AustinMom]

Acupuncture CAN start labor if you and your baby are ready, or if you are at rick for preterm labor.

I don't see why anyone would recommend any type of induction at 36 weeks if you don't have a real medical need (pre-e, severe GD, etc) I'd wait till at least 41 weeks to try induction.

Some feel that if you go into labor sooner, the baby will be "smaller" so you are more likely to have a successful VBAC, I don't believe this. If the baby isn't ready, DON"T TAKE HIM OUT OF THE UTERUS! A VBAC can be harder actually because your body hasn't built up all the relaxin hormone it can, and that is the hormone that stretches your pelvic ligaments. If you are worried that you are "too small" to birth a full term baby, the chances of that are extremely rare, and usually, those rare cases are in people with rickets, dwarfism, or other malnutrition issues.

[Ethanmum]

Thank you for your reply...that is why I love you wonderful ladies. I will tell her that I'm not interested in doing the accupuncture at this time. She said while it won't get labor started, it will definately get things going. I will tell that I i'm not ready for it.

Thank you so much for your input Austinmom.

By the way, the doctor has given me up to 41 weeks to go into labor or c/s it is..sigh!!!

[kltroy]

FWIW, I tried accupuncture at 40 weeks. I did 2-3 sessions and then gave up. (I also tried lots of sex, walking, etc etc). I had my VBAC baby at 41+2. These things may improve your odds of going into labor before 41 weeks, but at the end of the day your baby will come when it's ready, and there's not much you can do to hurry it up.

[sharr610]

The accupuncturist wont try to induce you at 36 weeks...what I am thinking the chiro meant was to start to get your body ready. While accupuncture can be used for induction, it can also be used to prepare the body for childbirth, just like chiro. Seeing the accupuncturist now would probably mean working on relaxation, pain management, blood pressure, and endocrine support. As the time got closer, the accupuncturist would know you and your system a bit to understand when and how to support you as you were ready for labor.

[MamaMelis]

Originally Posted by sharr610

The accupuncturist wont try to induce you at 36 weeks...what I am thinking the chiro meant was to start to get your body ready. While accupuncture can be used for induction, it can also be used to prepare the body for childbirth, just like chiro. Seeing the accupuncturist now would probably mean working on relaxation, pain management, blood pressure, and endocrine support. As the time got closer, the accupuncturist would know you and your system a bit to understand when and how to support you as you were ready for labor.

I agree with this. Good luck with your upcoming birth!

[Ethanmum]

Ladies,

Thank you so much for all your replies. I had my second accupunture treatment yesterday and both times have experienced some cramping hours later during the night that seems to go away by the morning. I guess my body is just not ready to go that is why and that ok. But I hope that all these cramping is helping my body get ready.

I will be 38 weeks next thursday and I've been offered a sweep if my cervix is favourable.

[conshek]

I'd wait until at least 40 weeks unless you have a medical condition. I had acupuncture during my last 2 pregnancies at 41+ weeks. With both I went into labor within 12-48 hours. I had natural birth with both. This pregnancy I have developed cholestatis and need to be induced by 37 weeks. I plan on having acupuncture again to help things get started but only due to my medical condition.

Good Luck!

[mamabadger]

I agree with PP's that you should wait a bit, as acupuncture can be quite effective. I have had three clients use acupuncture to start labour. One began having contractions after 48 hours, one later the same day, and another before leaving the building...but they were all over 40 weeks.

[ann_of_loxley]

Like most induction methods (not counting westernised ones! lol) - it will only work if your baby is ready to be born.

I have had acupuncture throughout this while pregnancy. We used it whilst TTC after more than a year of no success and it worked my first cycle. It also has helped heaps with morning sickness, my moods, water retention, etc!

BUT - As I have had a c-section previously, my acupuncturist actually told me she would not use any of her techniques for 'induction' if I were to go 'overdue'. Like most induction methods, they are not recommended if you have had a section as they raise the risk of uterine rupture. Now, I figured this was just for the horrible induction methods with artificual hormones they would use in a hospital - but my acupuncturist is not comfortable using her methods either on me.

For me, personally, I have just looked into what actually would happen if I went 'overdue' and what else I could 'do' about it. Such as nothing actually. Babies come when they are ready and 44 weeks of gestation is pretty darn normal and nothing to be concerned about. But this can be a touchy subject and we can all do our own research if we want lol