How to Induce Labor Through Massage

Not only does massage calm down the expectant mother, it can actually stimulate labor. There are certain pressure points on the body that can help the process along; these are normally avoided while a woman is pregnant, but if she's ready to give birth, either because she's already in the first stages of labor or because she's overdue, go ahead and give it a try.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Ask the woman to turn on her side, as best as possible, considering her current girth. Start by simply massaging her back and shoulders as this stimulates the "rest and digest" response and subdues any surging stress hormones.
2. Use acupressure techniques. While you're massaging her shoulders, locate the meaty section of the trapezius muscle. Feel along this muscle going out toward the shoulder; right before you feel the bony prominence where the collarbone meets the shoulder, use a firm pressure and push downward with your thumb. Alternatively, you can use your knuckle or elbow as thumbs tend to get tired quickly.
3. Continue to apply a steady pressure; there's no need to do circular motions or the like. You can even do both shoulders at once. Do this for a few minutes and take care not to push so hard that you injure the mother-to-be.
4. Move to the hands. Grip the muscular section between the thumb and forefinger and squeeze. Apply the same static pressure as you did with the shoulders. This helps the baby move down into the birth canal.
5. Go down to the woman's ankles, if possible. Locate the inner ankle bone. Lay four fingers on her leg, perpendicular to it, starting on the "sharpest" part of the ankle. Using the other hand, find her shin bone. Slowly move this hand toward the inner side of her leg, toward the hand by her ankle. When you no longer feel the shin bone, the mother should feel a tender sensation; that's when you know you're in the right spot. Applying gentle pressure to this point will help open up the cervix. Hold for 60 seconds, then repeat 20 minutes later on the other leg.

Tips & Warnings

• Get permission from the doctor before you attempt to induce labor in this fashion.