Acupuncture for getting labour started?

[soundsystem]

Any success stories? If you felt it worked for you, how many sessions did you have, and from what stage of pregnancy?

I'm overdue and keen to avoid induction/having to go into hospital. I'm not really into alternative therapies particularly but prepared to try anything that might help (as long as it's not actively harmful!)

For balance, also keen on stories where it did absolutely nothing for you!

Thanks

[babynelly2010]

If you are overdue accupuncture will not work for you, I am sorry, you need to start at 38 weeks as you need to get in at least 3 sessions and they have to have time in between. It does help all though there is no proof. I had contractions during my sessions. You need a specialist in the area not everyone is great in it.

[soundsystem]

Thanks for the info.

I had read that, but then I also read that it wasn't considered good practice to do any sessions before 41 weeks, so I was a bit confused.

[Followtheyellowsicktoad]

I had two or three sessions from 39 weeks, I was vbac and not allowed a medical induction. For good reasons to me I was desperate to avoid another caesarian. It didn't work in that I was induced at 40+8 by breaking my waters. My practitioner did suggest that a side effect was an easier labour, and so it was for me! It was positive to feel like I was doing something to get things going though.

Good luck!

[ChipInTheSugar]

I took a homeopathic remedy - I know, I know - and did go into labour within a few hours; was probably ready to anyway though.

[soundsystem]

Oh, chip what was the remedy you took?

I'm trying clary sage (in baths and massage oil) and evening primrose oil, both on the advice of the midwife but nothing doing. Toddler DD hollering "come out now, baby!" at my bump also having no effect

I guess he'll come when he's ready to!

[savagehk]

Don't think it worked for me. You can refuse induction and opt for expectant management.

[Wombletor]

I had 2 sessions 1 at 38 weeks and 1 at 39. It didn't work.

[savagehk]

Might add still glad i tried it, otherwise there'd be the "what if" factor. Although this time I'll stand my ground about being "overdue" more and won't have it again.

[EllenRipley]

I put magnets on the spleen 6 point (google and see where it is) and plunged very quickly into labour, so in retrospect it wasn't a great idea... you could try gentle acupressure yourself?

[ChipInTheSugar]

Caulophyllum is what I had. Took it at 6pm ish and started labour at 1am.

Disclaimer: I was 40+4 (but desperate!)

[Trilby4pink]

Have you tried reflexology? I didn't want to go overdue so booked my first session at 39 weeks...6 hours later I was in labour!

[soundsystem]

Trilby I have a reflexology session booked for tomorrow so fingers crossed! Glad to hear it worked for you

[Kintan]

I tried acupuncture to bring on labour as I was being induced for medical reasons at 39 weeks. I had sessions over the course of the preceding weeks, including one the day before the induction, but the process still took three days and ended in a emcs, so from my experience it did not work. However I'm glad I tried as I won't be wondering 'what if?' if I hadn't tried it. I chalk it up as an expensive experiment.