Acupuncture to start labour?

[ilovemyoboe]

Anyone tried acupuncture to start labour?

Had an induction for DS1 (9lb 14oz!) and that resulted in an epidural because it was so full on, and then episiotomy and tears and really messed up my pelvis. Growth assessment last week suggests this one is another big baby. Consequently, want to do anything to get labour started more naturally this time, without an induction.

Would like to hear experiences of using acupuncture or acupressure to start labour.

[sweetiepie1979]

I had acupuncture it helped I think clary sage is amazing. I put it in bath every night and lay back and breathed deeply ifr day I was due. Also rubbed it on tummy and down leg a bit my first baby came 3 days late! That night I had clary sage bath, massage and listened to a hypnobirthing cd that made you visualise your cervix opening and I swear that combo started things for me! Good luck

[utopian99]

Not done it yet (first dc, 34+1 weeks) but booked to start appointments on Nov 15th, due Dec 15th. Told by other people it can help, and also with pain, but you need a few appointments over the weeks before due date.

Inclined to believe it will help, as have family members who've had great success with it for pain relief and for hayfever, of all things!

[ilovemyoboe]

Thank you very much for your replies ladies. Sorry about the slow acknowledgement - memory like a sieve atm!

Have started acupuncture yesterday and a bit more today. Practitioner recommended a slow build up for me to get used to it, and to build a cumulative effect. Not sure if it's coincidence, but have felt less tired today than in about four weeks. Had some in lower back this morning for the first time which she said was a very good area for this sort of thing, and she put a small amount of electric current through. Felt like low-level TENS!

Doing some visualization anyhow, and think will get some clary sage - thanks for that tip. Can't face drinking raspberry leaf tea this time but may order some tablets instead.

[utopian99]

I'm.taking the tablets, much easier than tea!

Also starting acupuncture - first session - tomorrow, so will report back.. My mum.discussed it with her acupuncture lady, who (obviously) was very pro!