Since you all have brought up acu I've been thinking about it, too. My MW mentioned the acupuncturist here provides services during labor for pain relief and I really think I'd like that. I've been to her before and I love acupuncture. It's been about 4 years, though. Since my edb is only a week away I should probably call her soon.
As far as what to ask, I don't really know. I guess just ask if the persons is knowledgeable and experienced with treating pg women. I think acu, just like any of those other supposed labor inducing tricks, won't work unless your body is going to go into labor anyway. That doesn't mean it isn't worth doing but I wouldn't expect it acu alone to put you into real labor if you weren't going to be already.
As far as going over 42w, I've touched on this a little, but you don't have to consent to any medical intervention regardless of the protocol of your HCP. It's totally up to you what to do, obviously, but you can refuse. If you want to try to compromise, you can suggest weekly or biweekly NSTs and/or periodic biophysical profiles (ultrasounds) to appease your HCP. Personally, if the only reason someone was telling me I had to be induced or have a c/s or anything else was because I was 42w, I would refuse it. I insist that they give me a medical reason that is specific to me and my situation, not just some general thing about how babies can become distressed if they go too far overdue. Just my 2 cents worth. Take it or leave it.
Awesome, an 80 minute contraction you could sleep through! Too funny.
Follow Mothering