Acupuncture for induction

[Ants]

Hi, Has anyone have any experience about using acupuncture to induce labour? I had acupuncture in the early stages of my pregnancy to relieve morning sickness, and the therapist said he would do a home visit and a one-off session to help induce labour when I'm full term. He said it works really well and that he has been doing it in hospitals in the past, but I'd rather hear other peple's experiences, as well.
I had to be induced with my first one, as I was 12 days over, and ended up having a very slow latent labour, a distressed baby with a deflexed head and an emergency C-section. So I would be willing to try just about anything before I let them induce me again, I'm just a bit put off by how much this acupuncture would cost me.

I had acupuncture when I was waiting for labour to start with both children. The gynaecologist had done an acupuncture course and offered it in the practice.

I found it ok (bearing in mind I have a slight phobia about needles and was very apprehensive). Sadly it did not do any good and I had to be induced, althought I have the feeling that nothing would work to kickstart labour for me.

Perhaps if the gynae had been more experienced it might have helped.

I had it for DS2 on Friday lunchtime, followed it up with a trout and white wine lunch with the kind neighbour who drove me there, and went into labour that night, and he was born early Saturday morning. Would recommend it, I really think it helped - I was 8 days overdue

I saw an acupuncturist when I was nearly 2 weeks overdue. I went into labour within 16 hours but I don't know whether that was coincidence or not. Worth a try I reckon.

I had it - think it might have done something as the baby kicked the whole way through, but it obviously wasn't enough (although I had 3 sessions when already a week overdue) as I ended up being induced little under 42 weeks, had long labour and baby was delivered finally with forceps.
I guess it's worth a try though..

I have heard good things about it similar to what Minum said as a result I'll be having it.
The Whittington supply the service free of charge :-D

I had a session of acupuncture the week before my edd and it brought on some pretty hefty contractions which stopped after a few hours. I was due another the following week but went into labour naturally on my edd so never needed the second session.

The question I didn't ask at the time, and which I wish I had asked was regarding acupuncture as a form of induction when there has been a previous cs. The hospital were quite clear there would be no medical induction because I'd previously had a cs but seemed quite benign about using acupuncture. Maybe it's fine but I would still satisfy yourself of its safety before you go ahead. hth

Thanks for the replies, Ladies. I am quite tempted to give it a try.

Dp is an osteopath but also a qualified acupuncturist and just before Christmas he treated a woman who was a week over due, she went into labour that night. He thinks it works. I believe him as acupuncture generally really works well on me.

Hi Ants
I had acupuncture to induce labour - it appeared to kick start it as contractions started and my water broke 45 min later. But I have to say I ended up with precisely the same outcome that you had w/o it. The lady also came to the house to try to get things moving when labour slowed...and my belief is it may have gotten me soo very relaxed (I found it fantastic for pain relief and relaxation) it might have actually slowed the process. Friends have had it with the same person and it didn't do anything.