Acupuncture to induce labour. Has it worked?

[onetiredmummy]

Been to see midwife today & booked in for induction next Tuesday at 42 wks, loads of people have said that acupuncture is supposed to help but when I go through old MN threads it seems to be all negative.

Is there anyone who thinks it actually does work or who can tell me some good stuff?

It did for me. I had one hospital acupuncture session on the Tuesday and then one private one (with the acupuncturist I'd been going to throughout) on the Wednesday evening. Went into labour that night, DD born Friday lunchtime. Will definitely do it again!

I don't think it worked for me but it was very relaxing and took my mind off the waiting so it was worth it from that point of view.
I say that I don't think it worked as I did end up being induced but my labour was very quick so it might have helped to speed it up...maybe...

My waters leaked a tiny bit at 36 weeks and was told that if the baby hadn't arrived by 38 weeks I would be induced, which I did not want to happen. So I had acupuncture at 37 weeks and within 3 hours I was in labour (although I ended up an em cs for other reasons). It hurt me though, i had the needles in my feet and knees IIRC.

I'm having pre-birth acupuncture at the moment (from 36 weeks, weekly through to 41 weeks - as I was induced at 42 weeks last time and am trying everything to not have to do that again!). I asked my acupuncturist about induction acupuncture (which is different to a pre-birth acupuncture course), and she said she couldn't be sure that there was a reasonable chance it would work if you hadn't been having a course of acupuncture leading up to it (having had acupuncture beforehand makes it more likely to work apparently). I.e. its hit and miss as a one off. You've probably got time for a couple fo sessions before next week, so worth a go anyway! Similarly, you could try reflexology - the worst that can happen is you get a nice foot massage

Personally, I think there is so much pressure on women to deliver before the 42 week 'deadline' (or earlier, depending on your hospital), that the stress probably delays you going into labour so making induction even more likely! Anything like acupuncture would probably help with relaxation and helping you feel you were doing something pro-active, so possibly reducing the stress. I'm sure you're aware, but you can always opt for active management after 42 weeks to give your body a few more days to go into labour when its ready....