Guide to Acupressure Points for Inducing Labor
There are many options available for inducing labor, both medical and non-medical. However, medications and some herbs can have side effects and cause labor to come on quickly, making it hard to handle. Acupressure is a safe, yet effective, induction method and many of the pressure points used to start labor can also be used to control the amount of pain experienced during labor and birth.
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About acupressure
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Similar to acupuncture, which used needles to stimulate energy points in the body, acupressure uses the pressure from fingers applied to points in the body which correspond with different organs. The points stimulated in pregnancy to induce labor correspond with the uterus and cervix helping to soften the cervix, start uterine contractions and encourage the baby to move lower into the birth canal. The points are usually tender when pressure is applied, which signals that you have found the right spot. Most women will go into labor within 48 hours of stimulating the pressure points.
Although considered relatively safe, caution should be taken when using acupressure or any other technique to induce a labor. Always consult with your midwife or doctor before using acupressure during pregnancy.
Getting Started
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The pressure point on the webbing between the thumb and forefinger on either hand is used to start uterine contractions. The pregnant woman or someone else can apply pressure to this point using their forefinger and thumb and rubbing or squeezing the area for 30 to 60 seconds then taking a break for one to two minutes before resuming. It helps if the mother is relaxed when performing the acupressure, so encourage her to take a warm bath or shower before beginning, get in a comfortable position and practice relaxation while the acupressure is being performed.
Once labor begins and contractions form a regular pattern, the acupressure can be stopped.
Dilation and Moving Downward
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To help with the dilation of the cervix, apply pressure to a point four finger widths above the ankle bone on the inside of the leg. Use the first two fingers of your hand and press in firmly on this spot, holding for 30 to 60 seconds; allow one to two minutes in between applying pressure. The area should feel a little sore when you press on it. After about 30 minutes of stimulating this spot, the woman should feel her cervix stretching.
This pressure point can also help encourage the baby to move lower into the birth canal during labor.
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