How successful is Reflexology or Acupuncture when overdue?

[zuzkah]

Hi there, Im 40+4 and wondering if anyone has an experience with complementary therapies to bring on labour? I have an appointment in a hospital on Fri (if still pregnant ) and expect them to start talking about induction. I would like to avoid being induced if possible and thinking of going for reflexology or acupunture treatment. How successful did you find these?

reflexology didn't work for me both times that I tried it, the 2nd time I had it done for about 3 months but obviously just from 37 weeks to try and make dd come out on her own accord.

I had a reflexology massage at about 39+4 and baby wasn't born til 40+6 so it didn't "work", but it was fabulous. I'm dying to go back.

I had a great reflexologist who specialises in working with woman from conception through to birth, and inducing labour.

I went to see her at 40 weeks as I was desperate not to be induced, and during the appointment I had a feeling wash over me that I wasn't going to go into labour after this appointment, but the following weekend. I told the lady this and she agreed that neither baby or me were ready yet.

The following week I had a very strong feeling that my baby would be arriving the coming weekend. I had another appointment on the Friday and the reflexologist said it would be very soon.

I still had the overwhelming feeling that I was going to go into labour over the next couple of days. I woke up in the early hours of Sat morning and realised I was having regular contractions, and ds arrived on the Sunday.

For any cynics out there, the day before my second appointment with the reflexologist my mw gave me a sweep and told me I had the cervix of a 38 weeker and the baby wouldn't be coming anytime soon.

Read into all of that what you will. But I know who I'll be going to see if I become overdue again.

Oh, and osteopaths can induce labour too. But I think you would have trouble finding one willing to do it.

both times I was told by experience reflexologists (saw 2 different ones) that I was about to have the baby etc and I didn't. I think it's about your body doing it when it's ready but I do really believe that reflexology will significantly increase the chances of it happening sooner IYSWIM

I have a feeling that I might go into labour tonight. Now...is it my gut telling me that or am I just hoping for it to be true? Well I guess I need to wait and see.
I'm not panicking yet about being late thought. And a bit of spoiling by reflexologist might be a good distruction from the waiting if only it wasn't so expensive! I mean I would be happy to pay the money if the success rate was quite high but I guess different person different story.

I'm sure you are hoping for it, but I believe we often dismiss gut feelings.

Go and make sure your bag is packed!

IlikeToMoveIt - lol I let you know tomorrow
My back has been packed for ages now. You just make me thinking about it now.....maybe if I unpack...you know Murphy Law, he?

I mean BAG obviously...

Defo unpack and be as disorganised as you can be, then lo will start making an appearance soon!

Well it wasn't my gut feeling telling me...it was my hopes. Still pregnant and nothing is happening.
I wonder if there are any points on my feet that I could possibly massage myself for now?

I had acupuncture, it helped but wasn't soon enough for an induction. I had started labour but it was very slow and they wanted to induce me, and I just wanted to get it over with by then. I had acupuncture throughout and went through induction with no pain relief aside from that. I think it can help but it isn't magic. I think you can just say no to an induction, I would look into it, I think there are organisations that will enable you to make an informed decision without risking your baby's health. In hindsight I would have just said no to them I'm hanging on.

I had acupuncture throughout the pregnancy, and used it at the end to get things going - and it worked like a dream.

However, my acupuncturist specialises in women's health, I'd had regular treatments throughout my pregnancy (it helps according to me acupuncturist), and my baby was obviously ready to come - if it's not, it won't work, without a really strong whack of a treatment.

I had 3 treatments on consecutive days - the first was very gentle, the second more intense (and started my contractions), the third was still more intense, and really got things going!

I would also add, that they can talk about inducing you, but you don't have to agree to it ... it's your body, and your baby ... and you're not actually overdue until you get to 42 weeks!!

Good luck!

Thanks girls. I know I don't have to agree with an induction, unless there are medical reasons of course. Im very curious what the hospital is going to say on Fri and what options they will offer if Im still pregnant.
I was recommended by the Active Birth Centre either acupuncture, which I have never had, or reflexology, which might be less invasive? Don't know yet. Still hoping things will move on there own accord...hopefully before Fri! wink

And there was me thinking you would be at your keyboard today with your new baby

Good luck, I said ow when the first needle went in, little did I know what I had in store

Iliketomoveit- well here I am at the keyboard still pregnant! I cleaned the whole flat, went for a walk climbing hills...well I probably wouldn't even noticed they are hills if I wasn't pregnant ... and now Im goint to eat a whole pineapple! If that doesn't do....

rebelmum1 - I thought you can't even feel it! Well I guess that rules out acupunture for me. Come on baby and come out now!

Oh dear it's the tiniest prick didn't mean to put you off, having your waters broken, being swept and the induction needle are by far worse ..not to mention the other bits

A friend of mine has been induced twice with reflexology. With the last one she was in hospital and told she had to deliver the baby that day (35 weeks - medical reasons). Since she'd had previous experience with reflexology they let her try that - but said if she wasn't in labour within the next few hours, they would 'step in'. Anyway it worked and mother and baby were fine.

I tried it and although felt a few contractions that evening, they went away and baby came in our own sweet time 2 days later. My friend did say the reflexologist in the hospital showed her DH the relevant pressure points and he carried on with it over the next hour or two - so maybe that helped. Good luck!!

rebelmum - ok then, Im not so scared anymore
mamlocco - Sounds promising. It would be helpful to know which pressure points to press though. I gave myself a foot massage pressing everywhere thinking I would hit the spot and nothing!