Anyone tried acupuncture to bring on labour?

[Piccalilli2]

I'm currently 38+2 with second baby, dd was induced at 42 weeks and I am desperate to avoid being induced again. Last time I tried all the usual methods (I have never eaten so much pineapple in my life), this time I'm considering trying acupuncture. Has anyone got any experiences, good or bad, to share? When would be the best time to try it?

My dp is a qualified acupuncturist and has great success with this. He has only done it twice or maybe three times but each time the babies came within 24 hours It is worth a try imo, it won't do any harm.

Thanks Carmenere - think I will look into it, like you say it can't do any harm.

i have had it- a couple of days before i was due to be induced. it didnt work for me i'm afraid, but aparently is very successful for lots of women. its worth a try definitely as is reflexology (which if it doesnt work at least you will have had an enjoyable massage!)
good luck- hope it works for you

I had acupuncture which was actually provided through the hospital. They started sessions at 37 weeks and would gradually build up to encourage labour until and beyond 40 weeks. I found it helped - I started contractions about 6 hours after the 2nd session and DD was born the next morning

I think it is certainly worth a try and its quite nice and soothing even if it doesn't work

Oooh, piccalilli, Ill keep my eye on this one!

badger- did you really find it soothing? i found it agonising and the acupuncturist was very shocked to find i was bleeding from the needles. apparently that NEVER happens lol! i always thought it would be one of those things you would think would hurt but doesnt. i was wrong!!!!! think its more hardgoing when they are really going for it to try and induce labour as they kind of wiggle the needles and sort of apply pressure to them.

I had two sessions in one day, complete with electricity - it was hard going.

She came the next day, but I was 41+4 so who knows If you are desperate you will try anything!!!

belcanta - I think I was early enough that they didn't need to try too hard so it was okay. I think maybe if I'd gone overdue and they were really going for it it would have been worse. I'd also been doing acupuncture anyway while TTC etc so was used to it. Not as nice as the reflexology though!