It is a proven fact that seven out of 10 babies are born after their due date. If you are one of the seven mommies to be you are most likely frustrated, uncomfortable, exhausted, and maybe even a little irritated at waiting for your baby's debut.
However, no matter how uncomfortable or anxious, you would like to exhaust all your options before having medically induced labor. If you are still waiting after the 38th week you might want to try to naturally induce labor. Thankfully, there is a medically safe, holistic option to induce labor-acupressure.
Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that evolved from acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure, versus a needle as in acupuncture, is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with other various tools. Studies has shown that acupressure to induce labor is one of the safest and most effective ways to naturally induce labor in mommies who have passed their due dates.
Acupressure can also help to speed up a labor that is progressing slowly and can help control pain, naturally, while a mommy is in labor.
The acupressure points to help induce labor are the same as those used in acupuncture to assist in labor. Acupressure uses thumbs and fingertips, and application of pressure on specific spots along your skin. These points can be used at home to help induce self-labor. A supporting partner can utilize the same pressure points used to induce labor to relieve labor pains during labor.
Pressure points are naturally sensitive. To find an acupressure spot try the spot several times with varying pressure. It should feel a little like pressing on a bruise; acupressure points can be painful and if you find a spot that is especially tender, ease up a bit on the pressure. Experiment with the correct amount of pressure for you, you may as time goes on feel you can stand a little more pressure than when you originally began.
There a few effective acupressure points to induce labor and assist in assuaging labor pain. Try cycling through these points, stopping when you have a contraction, and restarting after the contraction.
* "The Big and High" point is located directly above the back of the heel on your foot. To find the point measure up four fingers from your heel into your Achilles' Tendon. This is most useful acupressure point to induce labor. To help induce labor rub this point continually for about a minute at a time. Applying pressure to this point helps prime the cervix and strengthen weak contractions. This point also will help the baby descend towards the pelvis.
* "The Adjoining Valley" is located in the webbing of the hand between the thumb and forefinger. It is located near the junction of the bones of the thumb and forefinger. The correct pressure point will feel very tender. This point is used to stimulate the large intestine meridian which surrounds a portion of the uterus. To stimulate contractions rub this point.
* "The Shoulder Well" point is located at the high point of your shoulder muscle. To find the spot measure four of your finger from the joint of your shoulder towards your neck. This point will be very tender. The Shoulder Well pressure point is great for managing pain.
Remember that not all pressure points work for everyone. Be sure to check with your healthcare professional prior to using acupressure points to stimulate contractions and do not use them before it is safe for you to give birth.
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