Acupuncture

[littlemissnormal]

Has anyone ever used acupuncture to start labour, successfully or unsuccessfully?
Both my previous pregnancies went to 40+14 then 4 days in hospital attempting to start labour which was both frustrating and painful.
This time I want to avoid that happening as not only do I not want to go through the induction process but I don't want to be away from DD and DS for that long.
I've heard acupuncture can bring labour on, but it's not cheap and I want to know if its worth paying for and if you only needed 1 attempt at it, or is it as effective as the old wives tales of pineapple, curry and sex?

I'm booked in to start reflexology at 37 wks to start stimulating the ejector button. Both acupunture and reflex work on similar theories. Any good therapist should give you a free consultation it may be worth chatting over with them and doing a bit of online research. Its worth looking up acupressure points (again same theory) that you can stimulate yourself and teach your birthing partner to help you during labour - this is free :)

I have had it twice, specifically to bring on labour. First time I was 40+10, 2nd time I was 40+4, thought my waters had broken and wanted to avoid induction. Both times I went into labour within 12 hours. Could just be coincidence of course... (but I don't think it is!). Just make sure you find someone who specialises in this area - the lady who did mine was also a midwife. Good luck!

I had it with DD. I had 2 sessions in 24 hours and was then in labour. With DS, I started again at 40+1 and had sessions twice a week. He eventually shifted at 40+10.

I think there are benefits if you have a fairly intense couple of sessions close together but it isn't guaranteed.

Oooh brilliant, thank you!
Been told tonight that it's very relaxing and has cured someone I knows sciatica so I think I'm going to do what you've all suggested!

I had acupuncture all through my pregnancy and to evict DS. Had the treatment at 4pm in the afternoon, waters went at 7pm, labour started straight away and out he popped at 1.20 am! So, worked brilliantly as far as I'm concerned.
Agree that you would be best off with someone who specialises in pregnant ladies.

I had 3 induction sessions after 40 weeks and it made no difference. Dd born after medical induction at 40+15!
It was relaxing though.
And it worked for my carpal tunnel...

Don't pin your hopes on it.
Good luck!

My boss swares by acupuncture for quick labours as well as to bring it on when due. (he's a complimentary therapist). His wife has 5 children and have all been born in under 2 1/2 hours start to finish and she's had acupuncture throughout the pregnancy. Hes treated me to 6 sessions. I'm 27 weeks had a session at 25 weeks which sorted out my incredibly painful hips, and am having another at 30 weeks then 33, 35, 37 and 39 hopefully it will mean I don't go overdue (really important to me as my DPs in the Army and if our babies more than 4 days late he won't be around for the birth ). Also hoping it helps me have a short birth

Hahaha crochetcircle - no pun intended! 'Don't pin your hopes on it'

Good luck justhayley, hope it works for you.

Sounds like there are other benefits to it too then, def worth looking into. Thanks for all your advice