Acupuncture To Induce Labor Success Stories? All Answers

(My friend Julia from Aculife Acupuncture in La Jolla contributes today’s very interesting post on how acupuncture can help induce labor!)

Western vs. Eastern work introduction

Western methods of inducing labor include manually “breaking the water,” manually “sweeping” the membranes around the cervix, and using drugs like oxytocin (pitocin) or hormones like prostaglandins or relaxin. These drugs are quite effective, but they can cause very strong contractions and speed up the process before the baby’s or mother’s body is ready. The use of drugs often leads to a cascade of additional procedures such as epidural anesthesia, episiotomy, vacuum delivery or cesarean section. Side effects of the drugs can include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. And the recovery time after caesarean section and episiotomy is usually longer than with natural births.

Eastern medicine targets specific points on the body that naturally prepare it for labor, including prostaglandins, which soften the cervix, and oxytocin, which induces contractions. This natural release of hormones results in a gradual onset of labor, often resulting in a smoother, less painful, and less stressful delivery.

I’m a big believer in Western medicine, but I usually recommend trying the least invasive treatment first if possible. Acupuncture is a good first step in childbirth preparation and often the last.

Does Acupuncture Really Induce Labor?

Yes! That being said, I’ve never had a patient’s water break on my table! Acupuncture for labor induction is a subtle yet effective treatment option to prepare both baby and mother for a safe and smooth birth. I actually like to call it “prep” because it naturally prepares the mother and baby for the birth process by relaxing the nervous system and reducing stress and anxiety while stimulating hormone release and uterine contractions.

Many of the acupuncture points that we cannot use during pregnancy because of their stimulating effects on the body are the very ones we use during labor induction. Some of these points are in areas that are already painful at this point in pregnancy, such as the upper shoulders and lower back. Since it is not a strong drug or a hard manual process, the treatment feels good and is quite relaxing. I often hear from pregnant clients that during an acupuncture session, it’s one of the few times of the day that her mind completely shuts off and she can relax. This extra rest boost is important for the energy needed for labor and delivery.

How fast does it work?

Acupuncture affects everyone and every situation differently. Sometimes the mother and baby are ready to go and just need that special “nudge” to get things going. I have treated clients in the afternoon who went into labor later in the evening or early the next morning. I have also had clients that I have treated 3 times a week who still require induction followed by a cesarean. I know everyone wants a number and a schedule! I would say on average I’ve seen improvement in most people within 2-3 treatments over 5-7 days. I always say the worst that can happen is that nothing happens. And by “nothing happens” I mean no contractions, just a better night’s sleep with less pain and discomfort.

Acupuncture and Pregnancy Facts

A study at the University of North Carolina found that pregnant women who received acupuncture were more likely to go into labor without a medical boost. The study involved 56 women between 39.5 and 41 weeks pregnant. Half of the women received three acupuncture sessions, the other half none. Seventy percent of women who received acupuncture started on their own, compared to 50 percent who received standard care. The women who received acupuncture were also less likely to deliver by cesarean — 39% compared to 17%. Another Australian research report showed that using acupuncture to stimulate labor in overdue mothers had an 88% success rate.

acupressure at home

There are a few easy-to-reach and easy-to-remember acupuncture points that you or your partner can stimulate to help the process. I usually recommend pressing 2-3 minutes per point per side a few times a day if possible.

Large Intestine 4 (LI4): Locate the webbing between your index finger and thumb on one of your hands. You focus on the fleshy area in the middle of your hand. With the other hand, grasp the fleshy part between your thumb and forefinger and press in small pumps for a few minutes. Repeat on the other side.

Locate the webbing between your index finger and thumb on one of your hands. You focus on the fleshy area in the middle of your hand. With the other hand, grasp the fleshy part between your thumb and forefinger and press in small pumps for a few minutes. Repeat on the other side. Gallbladder 21 (GB21): Locate the area at the top of your shoulders, right in the middle of your upper trapezius muscle. It’s the area where most people feel tension from life and hours at the computer. To get a good print, I recommend that the patient sit in a chair where someone can easily stand behind them. The standing person can press down on the shoulder with one elbow with as much or as little pressure as the woman desires. Repeat on the other shoulder.

Locate the area at the top of your shoulders, right in the middle of your upper trapezius muscle. It’s the area where most people feel tension from life and hours at the computer. To get a good print, I recommend that the patient sit in a chair where someone can easily stand behind them. The standing person can press down on the shoulder with one elbow with as much or as little pressure as the woman desires. Repeat on the other shoulder. Spleen 6 (SP6): Place your four fingers together with no space between them, as if waving. Locate your knuckle bone on the inside of your knuckle, place your pinky on the bone and SP6 will be where your index finger rests on the fleshy part just below your shin. Repeat on both sides.

I give many treatments during a woman’s pregnancy and childbirth preparation is by far my favourite! I see the excitement of the mother and often feel the baby kicking, moving or swallowing. Everything becomes real and I marvel at the miracle happening before my eyes. Bringing a new life into this world is probably one of the most special experiences a woman can have. I feel fortunate to play a small part in this process and to see the little one after all is said and done. It solidifies for the endless reasons why I love what I do.

Best health,

Julia

Special Aculife Offer for La Jolla Mom Readers! First-time customers receive a 50% discount on their first-time treatment with the code lajollababy.

Acupressure practitioners say that applying pressure to these specific points on the body can alter the body’s energy, called qi or chi. Some people believe that acupressure can help induce labor in women late in their third trimester. Acupressure relies on the same concepts as acupuncture, but uses firm massage and pressure from the hands instead of needles. There is strong evidence to support the use of acupuncture for certain health conditions, but scientific research on acupressure is still in its infancy and has yielded mixed results so far. However, some studies on acupressure have had promising results, and some women say it’s the only thing that helped them go into labor. Learn more about acupressure for labor induction in this article.

4 Acupressure Points to Induce Labor Most research on acupressure to induce labor looks at four specific points on the body. Some studies involve the application of pressure to just one point, while others use two or more points in combination, often simultaneously. People interested in trying acupressure should consider applying pressure to these specific points on the body: LI4 Share on Pinterest Located in the tissue between the thumb and forefinger, some people believe this point influences the behavior of the colon. Many traditional sources recommend avoiding LI4 stimulation during pregnancy due to concerns that it could induce labor. While research hasn’t clearly shown that applying pressure to LI4 can induce labor, some results suggest that massaging this point may help with labor pain. SP6 Share on Pinterest The SP6 point is located on the inside of the leg just above the ankle. Traditional practitioners associate this point with spleen health. Research suggests that SP6 acupressure can shorten the duration of labor and reduce labor pain. BL32 Share on Pinterest BL32 is midway between the lower spine and the dimple of the buttocks. Squeezing can cause a tingling numbness. Research from 2017 found that acupressure did not induce or shorten labor here, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. BL60 Share on Pinterest People can find BL60 at the top of the Achilles tendon just behind the ankle. Some people use this pressure point to relieve pain during the first phase of labour. A 2017 study found that it didn’t help induce labor.

Does Acupressure Help Induce Labor? Acupressure has been used for more than 2,000 years. However, Western researchers have only recently become interested in this practice, so research on its effectiveness is limited. Limited research doesn’t necessarily indicate that acupressure doesn’t work. Instead, it means there isn’t enough clinical evidence to show that acupressure works better than a placebo or other remedy. A 2017 review found no clear evidence that acupressure could induce labor. Compared to a sham control, acupressure did not induce contractions, reduce their length, or improve their outcomes. Another 2017 review also concluded that acupressure does not induce labor. The results of some studies included in the review suggested that acupressure might shorten labor or reduce pain. However, the authors warn that more research is needed to prove its effectiveness. A small 2010 study found that using acupressure at the SP6 point could decrease the length of active labor. The 60 participants who had 30 minutes of acupressure during labor spent an average of 252.37 minutes in active labor. The average delivery time of the women who did not receive acupressure was almost twice as long at 441.38 minutes. Acupressure also helped reduce the severity of labor pains. A 2017 study of 162 women looked at whether acupressure could induce labor within 96 hours. Participants received either acupressure, sham acupressure, or no specific treatment. There were no significant differences between the three groups, suggesting that acupressure neither induces nor improves labor outcomes within this time frame. A 2014 randomized controlled trial compared women who used the LI4 acupressure point during labor versus women who did not. Women who had acupressure experienced statistically significant pain relief compared to those who didn’t. However, acupressure did not shorten the duration of labor during this study. It’s worth noting that even the research that hasn’t found acupressure to be effective hasn’t revealed any risk to the pregnant woman or the developing baby. Therefore, acupressure is probably safe for most pregnant women under the supervision of a doctor or midwife.

Safety If a person wants to try acupressure, they can massage these four pressure points before childbirth as long as the pregnancy has progressed safely through the third trimester. It’s also safe to massage these points during labor to try to relieve pain. However, women with a history of bleeding or pregnancy complications should consult a doctor or midwife before trying acupressure or any other natural remedy.

If you think acupuncture is an “alternative” therapy that’s hit and miss, you’re not alone.

Recently, it has become a very popular choice for pregnant women looking to induce labor.

Acupuncture is a practice that is over 2000 years old and originated in China. It has been repeatedly tried, tested and documented around the world. It has even been recognized by the World Health Organization as a treatment for over 100 conditions.

Most people consider modern medicine to be the best approach available to all health problems. It is usually considered the “gold standard” and superior care in today’s society.

That’s why we rarely hear family doctors recommending Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to supplement or replace medical treatments.

However, in hospitals in China, many doctors make their rounds with acupuncture to help patients with their treatment.

If your due date is fast approaching and you are thinking about using acupuncture to induce labour, you can find more information and answers to the most frequently asked questions here.

Acupuncture for labor induction

Acupuncture uses special thin needles that are inserted into different parts of your body to stimulate your central nervous system.

This releases certain chemicals into your brain, spinal cord, and muscles.

As you will see below, there are specific points related to maturing the cervix and triggering contractions.

Before you decide to use acupuncture for labor induction, it is important to clarify why you want to do it.

Are you currently pregnant? Or is there a specific date you want to give birth or not? Your caregiver may suggest induction of labor at 41 weeks.

Any form of onset of labor before it comes naturally is still induction. Even natural methods still disrupt the birthing process, which can happen in its own way.

Certainly there are cases in which induction is medically necessary. These are the times when acupuncture can be a positive intervention.

Is induction acupuncture safe for me and my baby?

There is very little research on the safety of acupuncture for labor.

In a review of available research conducted to look for adverse events, it was found that acupuncture during pregnancy is safe for mothers and babies when used correctly.

It is important to choose a licensed physician who also has experience and knowledge of acupuncture treatment. Always check that your doctor is registered with the Governing Body as this protects you from substandard practices.

The most common risks associated with acupuncture are general pain, redness or infection at the puncture site, and injury from under-inserted needles.

When should I start acupuncture for labor?

Generally, most women start treatment about 4 weeks before their due date.

Keep in mind that your acupuncture therapist will begin a series of treatments aimed at building up the positive effects, so by the time your due date approaches, the treatment should be effective.

Your doctor should be aware of any medical concerns or possible complications during your pregnancy. This is a guide to the best way to plan your treatment.

Is Acupuncture Painful?

Acupuncture needles are very thin and should not be painful when inserted. The needles can cause temporary pain, but this usually goes away within 24 hours of your treatment.

Some points might be stimulated more than others, and the release can cause pain that lasts for a few days. Bruising can also occur at the site in some cases, but this is not as common as soreness.

Your acupuncturist will point this out to you before you leave your appointment.

Where do acupuncture needles go to induce labor?

During a typical first session, your acupuncturist will take a complete medical history and pregnancy history.

The next steps:

The acupuncturist takes a quick look at your tongue

Your pulse is measured on your wrists

You will make yourself comfortable on the table with cushions

You either lie on your most comfortable side or sit up straight.

Once you are very relaxed, the treatment will take 20-40 minutes. Your abdomen will be supported during this time, and no needles will get anywhere near your abdomen in a typical session.

The acupuncture points listed below are used only by qualified acupuncturists to induce labor:

BL67 – located on the little toe near the edge of the nail and used to stimulate contractions

– Located on the little toe near the edge of the nail and used to stimulate contractions. LI4 – located in the thick part of the muscle between the thumb and forefinger; it stimulates contractions and downward presses

– found in the thick part of the muscle between the thumb and forefinger; it stimulates contractions and pushes down SP6 – located above the ankle on the outside of the leg; This point promotes the maturation of the cervix

– located above the ankle on the outside of the leg; this point promotes cervical maturation GV20 – located in the center of the head; This point raises the energy but also has a calming effect.

Is Acupuncture Effective for Inducing Labor?

As with any method of induction that is considered natural, there are those who swear by it and those who don’t believe it works.

Going into labor after a spicy curry or hopping on a ball, for example, is as much about timing as anything else. It’s hard to say that these methods definitely worked to induce labor. It’s more complicated than that.

As you enter the final weeks of pregnancy, your body is already doing work that you can’t see. Your cervix is ​​maturing and preparing for the onset of labor. Your baby will receive the finishing touches needed for life outside the womb.

Acupuncture relieves tension and energy blockages in the body and promotes process shifting. It’s not about forcing labor to start right away.

For this reason the term induction is not really appropriate. Acupuncture is not intended to trigger birth, but to promote the development process.

There is very little research on how effective acupuncture is for labor induction, and the evidence we have looks at mixed results.

For example, this review of 22 studies compared acupuncture or acupressure to placebo or other methods of labor induction.

The results were encouraging, showing that acupuncture promoted cervical ripening. However, the researchers found no evidence that acupuncture reduced the need for a caesarean section.

How long does it take for acupuncture to induce labor?

Most women just want to know how long it will take to go into labor after acupuncture.

Again, the research is not robust when it comes to measuring the results of this induction method.

The Cochrane Library reviewed the available research on acupuncture for labor induction. In the review, the researchers cited this small study from 1974 showing that the average time from induction to delivery was 13.1 hours.

How long it takes for an induction method to work depends on how ready your baby and body are for the onset of labour.

Work is a process that takes time.

For more information, see What causes labor to start?

Are there side effects after acupuncture for labor induction?

When performed properly by a trained professional, acupuncture during pregnancy is safe and involves few risks. There may be some side effects such as

Pains

redness

bruises

Slight bleeding at the insertion sites

Infection at the insertion sites

Injury from needles placed too low.

After treatment, your doctor may recommend rest or gentle exercise. Follow-up care depends on your treatment.

Pay attention to your baby’s movements after your treatment. Watch for changes in the normal pattern; Some babies respond to your new state of relaxation by being more active.

There could also be an increase in Braxton-Hicks; that is individually different.

Acupuncture in pregnancy – risks

Overall, more research is needed to assess the risks of acupuncture in pregnancy. In very rare cases, some women may experience the following symptoms after acupuncture treatment:

dizziness

fainting

Local internal bleeding

cramps

Hepatitis B dermatitis

nerve damage

Increased pain

Injury to an internal organ (very rare)

These types of reactions are more likely to occur after treatment by poorly trained doctors. It is very important that providers know what they are doing.

Can I have acupuncture along with other therapies?

Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other therapies, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine.

During pregnancy, acupuncture is often combined with:

Chiropractic Adjustments

massage

physical therapy

reflexology

naturopathy

Herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Please ensure that your doctor is qualified to administer herbs and has experience in this particular specialty.

For more information, see Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine: Chris Tang

Always discuss with your doctor how appropriate these therapies are for you and your particular situation.

Can I do acupuncture if I already have health problems?

If you already have health problems, you should talk to your doctor before starting any acupuncture treatment. It’s important to know if your medical condition or medications you may be taking could be a problem.

You should also ensure that the acupuncture therapist is aware of all your existing health conditions and medications so your treatment can be adjusted as needed.

Acupuncture is used as a complementary treatment to treat symptoms for many different health problems. Your therapist will advise you on the best way to induce labor along with any medical treatments you are already receiving.

Is induction acupuncture safe for someone who has had a cesarean section?

If you’re hoping to have a vaginal birth after a cesarean section (VBAC), acupuncture can definitely be part of your strategy to achieve it.

As long as you are pregnant, it is not too late for a session. Acupuncture can be started at any stage; There are different opinions and preferences among practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

If you are afraid of a VBAC, the effects of acupuncture can be incredibly beneficial.

Acupuncture can also be a very relaxing and calming way to unwind before your baby is born.

Acupuncture for childbirth preparation

If you have acupuncture before childbirth, labor induction, or even a cesarean section, you will reap the benefits of a calm and positive attitude.

Acupuncture can help your body make more endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

Research has shown that acupuncture and acupressure are very useful in relieving labor pain.

During labor, as your contractions intensify, your body produces endorphins. As levels of these hormones increase, so does your level of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for contractions.

When applying acupuncture, the treatment principles are:

To calm the mind and promote calm

To boost energy when labor begins

The gentle movement of energy to help baby find the right position when not yet busy or to keep engaging. Moving energy also helps the mother’s bodily processes to be timely.

The end result is when labor begins, the mother is ready to deliver her baby and the baby is ready to be born at the same time.

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Can acupuncture help me after childbirth?

After the birth of your new baby, your body has to make many adjustments. Not only are you recovering from childbirth or a cesarean, your body is recovering from nine months of physical change.

Childbirth is often considered to be the greatest stress on a woman’s body. However, pregnancy and the physical demands it places on your body may be the most difficult to recover from.

Acupuncture can help by strengthening your mind-body connection to speed recovery.

You usually don’t have any needles for the first few weeks after giving birth.

Some practitioners use “mother warming” to bring energy back into the uterus to calm bleeding. Maternal warming is the application of moxibustion, in which the herb mugwort is burned near acupuncture points.

Are There Other Natural Ways to Induce Labor?

There are other suggested methods of labor induction. Although they can be natural, remember that they are still viewed as an intervention and we can never know if the baby was going to come anyway or if the method worked.

Natural working methods include:

Gossen Walking – find a curb by the side of the road and walk up and down, alternating left and right feet

steps up and down

stretch and sweep

evening primrose oil

Spicy food

chiropractic

intercourse

nipple stimulation

pineapple

See more here: How to Induce Labor Naturally – 11 Natural Methods

Please note that we do not recommend trying all of these. Always consult your doctor before undergoing any procedure.

What is the fastest way to induce labor?

This depends on how your body reacts to the induction of labor and the method you choose to induce labor.

Medical induction of labor can be more painful than natural labor and can last anywhere from hours to days.

With natural labor induction, labor builds up slowly, but with medical labor induction, it can start faster and be much stronger.

We have discussed natural methods of induction and these methods will generally take some time to get labor started.

Medical induction methods may be quicker, but the uterine contractions will be more intense and you may need pain relief as this is not part of the natural rhythm of labor.

Medical methods of labor induction include:

Gel Cervidil Band. Prostaglandin is introduced into the cervix to soften it (cervical ripening) and induce labor

membrane sweep. Gloved fingers are inserted through the cervix to “circumscribe” the inside of the cervix.

Cooks catheter. A catheter is inserted through the cervix. It has a balloon at the end that is inflated to open the cervix

Intravenous synthetic oxytocin that goes into the vein to induce labor

Artificial Breaking of the Water (ARM)

There is no way to be sure how quickly labor and delivery will begin, whether you try natural or medical induction methods. All pregnant women are different.

If your baby was ready to be born, the time before the onset of labor might be shorter. Perhaps you went into spontaneous labor thinking the induction method had started the labor.

You may find these articles helpful: Labor Induction – What are the Risks of Inducing Labor? and Why Not All Inductions Are Equal – 5 Methods of Induction

Acupuncture Feedback

“I was so skeptical about acupuncture until I found out I was pregnant.

“I had a huge panic attack and ended up in the hospital as my heart rate was very high. I had severe insomnia, I couldn’t drink or eat for three days, and my weight dropped dramatically. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t get my heart to slow down and I was very worried about the baby.

“I have found a great acupuncturist who has been absolutely amazing and I will continue to see her for years to come. Within two months of fortnightly acupuncture treatments, I was able to not only control the anxiety, but actually get rid of it.

“I continued to see my acupuncturist throughout my pregnancy for various reasons as I no longer needed anxiety treatment. It helped with severe headaches, breakouts, and morning sickness. Towards the end of my pregnancy she introduced me at 40 weeks (I was given notice due to a previous cesarean) and that night I had the show. Shortly thereafter, my son was born vaginally in 10 minutes of active labor.

“My fear had a lot to do with the previous cesarean section and death in the family. I continue to go for acupuncture every 3 months and it is for pure relaxation” – Daniela

What is the problem?

Labor induction is offered to pregnant women when it is believed that the outcome for the mother or her baby will be better if the pregnancy does not last and the baby is born. Common reasons for induction include pregnancy beyond term, premature or prenatal rupture of membranes, and concerns about the health of the mother or baby, such as: B. Pre-eclampsia or stunted growth of the baby. Some women wish to use complementary therapies alongside conventional medical practice for initiation. Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, while acupressure uses thumbs or fingers to apply pressure to specific points. Both have been used to soften and dilate the cervix at the onset of labor. They may provide a way to relieve labor pain and avoid medical induction with other methods such as prostaglandins.

Why is that important?

Medical inductions can have significant side effects. Many women therefore choose complementary and alternative methods to induce labor. Acupuncture is practiced by many midwives along with usual care, and early studies have suggested benefits from acupuncture.

What evidence have we found?

In October 2016, we searched for evidence from randomized controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture. We identified eight additional studies that were eligible for review since the last version of the review in 2013. In total, we found 22 studies reporting on 3456 pregnant women. The authors rated most studies with a moderate risk of bias.

Evidence of moderate to high quality found that acupuncture and acupressure did not reduce caesarean sections.

Acupuncture can promote a more favorable condition of the cervix within 24 hours in the two studies (192 women) that examined it. Only one study reported serious outcomes for the mother or her baby, and found no serious incidents in either the acupuncture or control groups (low-quality evidence).

What does that mean?

Acupuncture and acupressure do not appear to reduce the need for a cesarean section, but may increase cervical readiness for labour. Acupressure did not help with any of the outcomes we examined in this review. The studies differed in how acupuncture and acupressure were performed, the comparison groups, and the outcomes examined. These fluctuations mean that we must be careful when interpreting the results. More studies are needed to determine whether acupuncture or acupressure increases the number of women who experience vaginal delivery within 24 hours and to examine the safety of acupuncture and acupressure.

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What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid metal needles, which are then activated by gentle and specific movements of the doctor’s hands or by electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine believe that the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create a flow of energy (qi, pronounced “chee”) throughout the body that is responsible for overall health. A disruption in the flow of energy can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to specific points, it is said to improve the flow of qi and thereby improve health.

Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of medical conditions.

Acupuncture is not for everyone. If you decide to see an acupuncturist, discuss this with your doctor first and find a practitioner who has the appropriate training and qualifications.

How does acupuncture feel?

Acupuncture is performed with hair-thin needles. Most people report that they experience minimal pain when inserting the needle. The needle is inserted to a point that causes a feeling of pressure or pain. The needles can be heated during the treatment or a low-level electric current can be applied. Some people report feeling energized by acupuncture. Others say they feel relaxed.

Improper placement of the needle can cause pain during treatment. Needles must be sterilized to avoid infection. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture therapist. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles, like other medical devices, under good manufacturing practices and sterility standards for single use.

Instead of needles, other forms of stimulation are sometimes used over the acupuncture points, including:

heat (moxibustion)

pressure (acupressure)

friction

sucking (cupping)

pulses of electromagnetic energy

How does acupuncture affect the body?

Acupuncture points are designed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes can stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture, alone or in combination with conventional therapies, is an effective treatment to treat:

Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy

Toothache after surgery

Seeks

headache

menstrual cramps

tennis elbow

fibromyalgia

Myofascial pain

arthrosis

Lower back pain

carpal tunnel syndrome

asthma

It can also help with stroke rehabilitation.

What Conditions Can Benefit From Acupuncture?

Many Americans seek acupuncture treatment to relieve chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain. However, acupuncture has expanded applications in other parts of the world. Before considering acupuncture, talk to your doctor. Conditions that may benefit from acupuncture include the following:

Digestive emotional gastritis

irritable bowel syndrome

hepatitis

hemorrhoid fear

depression

insomnia

nervousness

anxiety disorder

Eye, ear and throat gynecological rhinitis

sinusitis

sore throat menstrual pain

infertility

Neurological arthritis of the musculoskeletal system

back pain

muscle cramps

muscle pain and weakness

neck pain

Sciatic Headache

migraine

Neurogenic bladder dysfunction

Parkinson’s disease

Postoperative pain

Stroke

Respiratory system Other Allergic rhinitis

sinusitis

Bronchitis irritable bladder

prostatitis

male infertility

Some forms of impotence

Seeks

Considerations when choosing acupuncture

Because scientific studies have not fully explained how acupuncture works in the context of Western medicine, acupuncture remains a source of controversy. It is important to take precautions when deciding to have acupuncture.

Do your symptoms get worse after acupuncture? Do you feel pain worse after acupuncture? Do You Have Flu-Like Detox Symptoms After Acupuncture?

If you’re looking and reading this article, it means you may just have had your acupuncture – probably your first ever – and be confused with the changes in your symptoms after acupuncture. I have shortlisted the most common reactions to acupuncture, these patterns are recurring in patients in my 20+ years of practice.

Immediate reactions after acupuncture (first 24-48 hours)

1. Relaxation:

You can feel deeply relaxed, which lasts for hours or even a day. In such a state of relaxation, your concentration may be impaired: it becomes difficult to follow conversations or concentrate in meetings, or you simply cannot stay awake. As modern medical researchers have discovered, higher levels of endorphins (the brain’s own morphine) are released after acupuncture treatment, which may explain why you may experience a natural high after acupuncture. The best thing to do in this situation is to rest – relax and then take a nap or go to bed early. Your body heals faster when you spend more time in a deep sleep state.

2. Emotions:

Some patients would become more emotionally sensitive for a short time. I have seen patients cry for hours for no reason; grieving something that happened a long time ago, or becoming irritable and unable to tolerate others. If you experience these reactions, congratulations. You empty your emotional bucket timely and sane. We all have an emotion container to absorb our negative emotions from everyday stress. When the bucket is full, even the tiniest drop of stress can cause it to overflow, causing disproportionate emotional responses to the smallest of triggers. For many, they place heavy blankets on this container of emotions to hide their emotions from everyone. During the acupuncture session, this shell melts away and emotions pour out. It’s healthy to let your emotions run free from time to time. You could use this opportunity to start a deep emotional conversation with family or friends, or stop your life and find a quiet corner to absorb your emotions. After this period of emotional release – usually two or three days – you will feel lighter and more content with your life.

3. Pain Relief:

Acupuncture is known for its instant pain relief. If you have treated acute pain or injury, you may experience long-lasting pain relief after acupuncture. However, if you have been treating chronic pain, you may find that the pain subsides during the treatment session, but the pain will come back after a few hours or even come back with a vengeance.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, we think of the flow of energy in the body as the flow of water in the plumbing of a building (when we know it’s there but we can’t see it). When there is a flood in the bathroom, we know the drain is clogged. The Chinese doctor also sees a blockage in the flow of energy when there is pain. In Chinese medicine, chronic pain is a clogged drainage system and rusted pipes in the body. Acupuncture acts as a plumper, apply pressure at a specific point to flush out the blockage so flow is restored and the pain is gone. However, since the pain (constipation) has been there for a long time, the inner layer of the pipe is rusted and a lot of garbage is stuck to it. When the flow is restored, the garbage detaches and begins to move, blocking the flow again some time later. By then, the pain will reappear as worse pain or even move to a “new” location. As the acupuncture sessions continue, the flushing work continues until all the debris and rust in the meridians is removed.

If the pain worsens after acupuncture, don’t panic or worry, but take some sensible measures to relieve the pain, such as: It is important for the patient to provide feedback to the doctor about how long the pain relief lasted and whether the pattern or location of the pain changed.

4. Elimination:

Some patients experience detoxification symptoms such as increased urination after the acupuncture session. Some have told me they can’t stop peeing up to 10 times in one afternoon without drinking more water. As you would expect, her bloating and water retention would be greatly relieved. In the meantime, some may notice changes in their bowel movements: more frequent, increased volume or stronger smell. Both signs of good elimination indicate that the body is increasing metabolism, or in Chinese terms, better energy flow in the Kidney and Spleen meridians.

Long-term reactions after acupuncture (2 – 4 weeks)

Runny nose, sore throat and some cold symptoms may occur during the second or third week of acupuncture treatment. In Chinese medicine, an unresolved cold or flu was the underlying cause of many health problems, such as poor circulation, stiff neck and back, and migraines. Runny nose, fever and body aches are the natural reaction of the body struggling with a cold or flu attack, like casualties and bombed borders during the war that the defense forces fight the enemy before an invasion. If the drug is used improperly, the symptoms will be suppressed, but the health will deteriorate, like a truce in war by confiscating weapons from the soldiers, leaving the enemy to plunder the country. Once the acupuncture treatment boosts immunity, as if the army were ready to fight the invader again, cold and flu symptoms reappear. These symptoms usually last a week; Some Chinese herbs could be used for faster healing.

Meanwhile, some patients may notice the reappearance of many other symptoms that previously bothered them but which they sometimes forgot. It means that the increased body energy drives away many underlying ailments. For example, the recurrence of appendicitis or hemorrhoids that appeared years ago. While the body is in a reverse healing process, it often finds that the recurring symptoms do not cause as much discomfort as a normal seizure. A reassessment of the patients’ condition and a change in treatment plans would be required. It is important to let the practitioner know that past medical history may be recalled incidentally.

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Overview What is cervical ripening? Cervical ripening is a normal process of softening and opening of the cervix before labor begins. The cervix is ​​stiff and closed during most of pregnancy to keep your baby in your uterus. But during labor, cervical dilatation (widening) allows your baby to pass through your birth canal. Cervical ripening often happens naturally. Some women may benefit from assisted cervical ripening. This can take the form of medications, devices, or procedures to ripen the cervix before labor begins. Who Needs Cervical Ripening? People who are in labor often benefit from cervical ripening. Induction (through drugs or procedures) triggers contractions to start labor. You may need labor induction and/or cervical ripening if you: have an overdue pregnancy (pregnancy lasting more than 41 weeks).

Have health risks that threaten your health or the health of the fetus. These may include preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or growth restriction.

You live far from a hospital and need to plan your birth somewhere closer. How will my doctor know if I need a cervical ripening? Healthcare providers use a scale called the Bishop Score to determine the degree of cervical ripening. When your doctor examines your cervix, they can determine your Bishop score, which can range from 0 to 13. He will check if the cervix is ​​softening, thinning, and dilated, as well as its position. A Bishop score of less than six means your cervix is ​​not very mature. Therefore, cervical ripening may be necessary. A Bishop score of more than eight means your body is preparing for the onset of labor. And you probably won’t need a cervical ripening when your labor is induced. At what stage of labor does cervical ripening occur? Cervical ripening usually begins before labor begins. During the first phase of labor, your cervix becomes both thinner and dilated. The second phase usually begins when your cervix is ​​fully dilated to allow your baby’s head to pass through, which is usually 10 centimeters.

Procedure Details How is cervical ripening performed? There are a variety of ways to perform cervical ripening, including: Non-pharmacological methods (natural techniques that do not use drugs).

Medication.

Special devices.

membrane stripping. Are there natural ways to mature the cervix? Some women choose to allow their cervix to ripen naturally in the weeks leading up to childbirth. It is important to note that these techniques are not supported by evidence-based research. So you should talk to your doctor before trying them. Non-pharmacological maturation methods can work by stimulating the release of hormone-like chemicals in your body. Natural maturation methods include: Acupuncture.

breast stimulation.

Castor oil.

Enemas (injection of water or liquid into the rectum to clean out the colon).

herbal supplements.

Hot baths.

intercourse.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). How do drugs mature the cervix? Your doctor may recommend synthetic (man-made) prostaglandins to help mature your cervix. Prostaglandins are naturally occurring chemicals in your body that have hormone-like properties. Synthetic and natural prostaglandins work to soften the cervix and relax the neck muscles, which aids in dilation. You can get prostaglandins as a gel, pessary (vaginal insert), or pill. To apply gel, your doctor inserts a catheter (thin, flexible tube) containing the gel into your cervix. You may need multiple applications (up to three doses in 24 hours). You can also get prostaglandins as suppositories. A pessary is a device that fits inside your vagina and contains prostaglandins. Your vagina absorbs the medicine as it is released from the pessary. You can leave the pessary in for up to 12 hours or until active labor begins. Other drugs that can ripen the cervix include: dinoprostone.

mifepristone.

misoprostol.

oxytocin. How do devices ripen the cervix? Dilators widen the cervix and apply pressure. These actions stimulate the release of natural prostaglandins. Your provider can insert an inflatable balloon into your cervix through a catheter. Then they fill the balloon with saline or sterile water. How does surgery mature the cervix? Procedures to ripen the cervix include: Amniotomy: Your doctor uses a small hook to rupture the membranes around the amniotic sac. Rupturing the sac can help release prostaglandins to allow cervical ripening.

Your provider uses a small hook to rupture the membranes around the amniotic sac. Rupturing the sac can help release prostaglandins to allow cervical ripening. Stripping the membranes: Your provider inserts a gloved finger into your cervix. Then they rub or separate the membranes that connect your uterus and amniotic sac. This technique releases prostaglandins and helps mature the cervix.

Risks/Benefits What are the risks of cervical ripening? The various cervical ripening techniques each carry their own risks. The risks from medications are usually small but can include: Diarrhea.

Fever.

nausea and vomiting.

Too many contractions (hyperstimulation). Uterine hyperstimulation is a rare but serious side effect of some labor inducing drugs. They can cause prolonged or too frequent contractions and endanger the health of the fetus. Risks of cervical ripening procedures may include: Bleeding.

drop in fetal heart rate.

Fetal injury or death.

Maternal or fetal infections.

Umbilical cord prolapse (the umbilical cord falls into the cervix) or compression (the umbilical cord stretches or is compressed so that the fetus does not get enough blood). What Are the Benefits of Cervical Ripening? Cervical ripening helps shorten the duration of labour.

Recovery and Outlook What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cervical Ripening? Cervical ripening can help shorten the time to delivery and is not known to have any long-term effects on your uterus. The reason you need a cervical ripening may increase your risk of having a cesarean. A cesarean section can increase the health risks to you or the fetus in future pregnancies.

Share on Pinterest Your due date is an educated guess as to when your baby might be due. While many women give birth to perfectly healthy babies 2 weeks before or after this estimated due date, it is recommended that women wait at least 39 weeks to give birth. It’s best to let Mother Nature decide when your baby is due. In a 2011 study, 201 women who had recently given birth were asked about inducing labor at home. Of these women, 50 percent had tried a natural method of inducing labor. When you’re 40 weeks old, here are seven natural ways to get things started. Most of these methods are anecdotal and there is no solid evidence that they work, so you should always check with your doctor before trying any of these methods. Your midwife or doctor may not be able to confirm that they work, but they can let you know if it’s safe to try with your pregnancy.

1. Exercise Exercise can be anything that increases heart rate, such as a long walk. Even if this method doesn’t work, it’s a great way to relieve stress and get your body strong for the task at hand.

2. Sex Theoretically, there are several reasons why sex could induce labor. For example, sexual activity, particularly orgasm, can release oxytocin, which can help stimulate uterine contractions. Also, for pregnant women who have sex with men, there are prostaglandin hormones in semen that could help mature the cervix. Having sex is safe in the last few weeks of pregnancy, but you should not have sex after your waters have broken. This can increase your risk of infection.

3. Nipple stimulation Stimulating your nipples can cause your uterus to contract and induce labor. Nipple stimulation stimulates oxytocin production. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the uterus to contract and the breast to release milk. If you choose to breastfeed your baby right after birth, that same stimulation will help your uterus shrink back to its original size. You or your partner can manually stimulate your nipples, or you can try using a breast pump. Solid research shows that breast stimulation can be an effective way to: Induce and intensify labor

avoid medical induction

Reduce rates of postpartum bleeding

4. Acupuncture Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years. The exact mode of action of acupuncture is unclear. In Chinese medicine it is believed to balance the chi or life force energy in the body. It can also stimulate changes in hormones or the nervous system. Acupuncture should only be performed by a licensed acupuncturist. In a 2013 randomized study in Denmark, more than 400 women received acupuncture, membrane stripping, or both procedures before childbirth. The study results showed that acupuncture did not reduce the need for induction, but pulling the membranes did. According to research, the main benefit of acupuncture is increased cervical ripening.

5. Acupressure Some practitioners believe that acupressure can help induce labor. Before using acupressure on yourself, make sure you get proper guidance from a trained acupressure professional. If acupressure isn’t getting your labor going, it can still be an excellent way to reduce pain and discomfort during labor.

6. Castor Oil A small consumption of just 1-2 ounces (29.57-59.14 ml) of castor oil stimulates prostaglandin release, which can help ripen the cervix and induce labor. It is recommended to do this under the supervision of a midwife or doctor. People should be careful not to drink too much.

7. Eating Dates Some research shows that eating dates in the last few weeks of pregnancy promotes cervical ripening and cervical dilation at the onset of labor

reduces the need for Pitocin use during labor

Benefits of Waiting for Labor to Start Most pregnant women by 40 weeks are probably ready to get their babies out of the womb and into their arms as soon as possible. However, there are many benefits to waiting for your body to naturally decide to go into labor — including recovery. Women who have not been induced usually recover faster than those who were. More time in the womb can mean both you and your new baby can go home from the hospital earlier. Infants born after a full-term pregnancy experience other benefits as well. More time in the womb typically means more time to build muscle and strength

reduced risk of low blood sugar, infections and jaundice

improved breathing, since infants born as early as two weeks premature can suffer twice as many complications

better nutrition after childbirth

increased brain development, with the brain increasing by a third of its size between weeks 35 and 40. Let your body do the work for a few more days and take the time to rest as much as possible. We know that’s easier said than done when you’re 9 months pregnant. Soon you and your baby will need all your energy!

There are ways to medically induce labor, but a person can often encourage dilation by keeping the body relaxed and loose. This can make delivery easier. Dilation is a term that describes the widening of the cervical opening. Dilation of the cervix is ​​a sign that a pregnant woman is going into labor. In the final stages of pregnancy, doctors do cervical exams to track the progress of the pregnancy and the extent of cervical dilation. During the first phase of labor, the cervix dilates to a width of 10 centimeters (cm). Dilation is usually gradual, but the cervix can dilate rapidly over 1 or 2 days. A few different factors can affect how quickly dilation occurs. In this article, you’ll learn how to stretch faster before and during labor.

How to Stretch Faster at Home The following methods can help with dilation without using medication: Exercise Share on Pinterest Using an exercise ball can help speed up dilation. Standing up and moving around can help speed up dilation by increasing blood flow. Walking across the room, performing simple movements in bed or in a chair, or even changing positions can promote dilation. This is because the baby’s weight puts pressure on the cervix. People may also find swaying or dancing to soothing music effective. Use an exercise ball A large inflatable exercise ball, called a birthing ball in this case, can also be helpful. Sitting on the ball and rocking back and forth or moving in circles can help keep the muscles in the pelvis loose and relaxed for childbirth. Relax It’s easy to get tense in the final stages of pregnancy, but learning to relax can have a number of benefits. Stress and muscle tension can delay labor by making it harder for the cervix to dilate. These problems can also prevent the baby from getting off. Many women benefit from breathing exercises or meditation before and during labor. Dimming the lights can also help. Laughter Laughter can keep stress and anxiety at bay. Even temporary relief can relax the body and aid in dilation. Fooling around or watching funny movies or stand-up comedy can help keep the spirits up before and during labor. Having sex Sexual stimulation can relax the body. A hormone called prostaglandin in semen can also promote dilation.

Tips for Faster Dilation During Labor Share on Pinterest Medical intervention may be needed during labor. While labor is a natural process, there are times when a doctor needs to intervene. Medical intervention may be needed if: a woman has an infection in the uterus

the baby is more than 2 weeks overdue and active labor has not yet begun

the water is broken, but there are no contractions

Underlying diseases make birth difficult for the mother or the baby. A doctor can use a drug that contains prostaglandins to soften the cervix and encourage dilation. A process called membrane stripping can help. A doctor or midwife rubs their fingers against the membranes of the amniotic sac to release prostaglandin into the uterus and dilate the cervix. Women who are interested in a non-drug or “natural” birth can avoid medical intervention until it is necessary.

The stages of birth There are three different stages: Stage one Share on Pinterest There are three different stages of birth. This phase has three phases. In the first phase, the cervix dilates to 3 cm. The baby falls deeper into the pelvis, and this increases the level of prostaglandins in the body, which stimulates expansion. The mucus plug that closed the uterine opening during pregnancy falls off. Capillaries in the cervix can rupture at this stage, causing a bloody discharge known as a bloody show. That is normal. The next stage is active labor as the cervix continues to dilate. Some doctors mark the end of this stage when the width of the cervix reaches 7 cm. Others use contractions as a guide. The last step in this stage, called the transition phase, lasts until the cervix dilates to 10 cm. Phase Two The second phase of labor begins when the cervix dilates to 10 cm and ends with delivery. The duration can vary from woman to woman and is influenced by various factors. Phase three In this phase, the doctor will deliver the placenta and cut the umbilical cord.

It feels like the baby will never leave! We promise it will happen mom. But if you want to get things moving, here are some safe ways to go into labor tonight.

We hear you mom. It’s time. Your little one has been there for months and months and your due date is near (or maybe it’s come and gone).

Not only are you starting to feel quite uncomfortable, but you’re really looking forward to finally meeting your baby.

If you’re looking for safe ways to go into labor tonight, we have a few ideas that might help.

In this article: 📝

Guaranteed Ways to Induce Labor (Are They Real?)

Medical ways to go into labor overnight

A final word on the beginning of labor

Guaranteed Ways to Induce Labor (Are They Real?)

We make a caveat here: when it comes to inducing labour, there is no such thing as a 100% guaranteed approach.

What works for one mom may not work for another, and many of the natural suggestions out there are anecdotal.

Most of the time, the best thing you can do is try to relax.

Your little one should arrive when ready.

If you’re curious to see if any of the natural approaches out there might work for you, here are a few options to try.

To go for a walk

Gravity is your friend here, and the idea is that it could cause your baby to fall further down the birth canal, which could cause your cervix to dilate.

In a 2014 study, 32% of women who went into spontaneous labor said they thought walking helped trigger them.

But it’s quite difficult to say whether that’s true or not.

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Did walking induce labor or was it just coincidence that these women went for a walk just before their babies were born?

In any case, a walk in late pregnancy is still a good idea.

Just make sure you listen to your body and don’t overexert yourself. You will need your strength.

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to have sex

This is a pretty popular recommendation, and there’s some scientific reasoning behind it.

Sperm contains hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins, which are similar in structure to the medical procedures doctors use to induce labor.

They can also help soften your cervix.

The activity that sex causes in your uterus can also help get the contractions going.

However, the evidence for this approach is inconclusive.

While some studies suggest that sex may be linked to the onset of labor, other studies have their doubts.

As long as you’re in the mood and your waters haven’t broken, there’s no harm in trying.

Eat some spicy food

Proponents of this theory also say it’s also about prostaglandins.

Some spicy foods can cause your body to release prostaglandins, which can induce labor, or irritate your intestines, which can cause uterine contractions.

But as with the options above, the scientific research on this option is inconclusive.

“Spicy foods can trigger preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes in susceptible women,” says one study.

It’s not a guarantee, however, and we’re not entirely sure what makes one mother vulnerable over another.

Just remember that now may not be the best time to try new and unusual foods.

You don’t want to make yourself sick when you need your energy.

Stay healthy mom and only eat spicy foods if they are already a regular part of your diet.

Go to acupuncture

Can a few acupuncture needles in the right places get your baby to say, “Well, I’m out of here!”?

Some say yes.

They believe acupuncture helps release oxytocin, the hormone that can help your uterus contract, as well as prostaglandins.

However, there isn’t much research to support this, and even the studies that have looked at it say more research needs to be done.

If you enjoy acupuncture, a session can help relieve tension, and that’s at least a good thing.

Medical ways to go into labor overnight

If you’re past your due date, your doctor may also recommend medically inducing labor.

Don’t panic, mom.

Many doctors suggest this way to protect you and your baby. It should help you.

Medical induction is usually recommended if you are two weeks past your due date and not going into spontaneous labor.

It can also be an option if your baby is too small or too big, or if there are circumstances or conditions that put you or your child at risk.

There are several steps you need to follow when medically prompted, and your doctor or midwife will monitor you closely throughout the duration.

You could try one of the following approaches:

Ripening of the cervix, in which the cervix softens so it expands slightly when labor begins.

, in which the cervix softens so it expands slightly when labor begins. Stripping of the membranes, in which your doctor sweeps the membranes that connect the amniotic sac to the wall of your uterus. Your cervix must first be partially dilated.

, in which your doctor sweeps the membranes that connect the amniotic sac to the wall of your uterus. Your cervix must first be partially dilated. rupture of the amniotic sac. This procedure is called an amniotomy, and it involves your doctor using a long, thin plastic instrument to gently tear the amniotic sac and break up your water. For this, too, your cervix has to be partially dilated.

This procedure is called an amniotomy, and it involves your doctor using a long, thin plastic instrument to gently tear the amniotic sac and break up your water. For this, too, your cervix has to be partially dilated. give oxytocin. Oxytocin can cause your uterus to contract. If you’ve gone through the previous steps, your doctor may give you a synthetic form of oxytocin called pitocin.

A cesarean is another option your doctor might consider if your body and baby need a little more help.

A final word on the beginning of labor

Remember, you shouldn’t try to start labor before your due date, Mom.

If you and your baby are both healthy and happy and there’s no reason to think they won’t come out on their own time, then don’t force labor or labor.

Some induction methods can cause your uterus to contract too often and become overstimulated.

This can affect your child’s heart rate and even cause an infection.

If you’re concerned at all, talk to your doctor.

They can tell you if you need to try natural or medical procedures, or if it’s best to wait a little longer.

Hold on mom. In no time at all you will have your brand new baby in your arms.

🤰 More from The 411:

Preparing for childbirth: Helpful things to know

What are the ways to induce labor?

18 work tips for mothers

What is early labor?

How to prepare for a baby: 11 tips

Signs that birth is 24-48 hours away

What is a forceps birth? Is it safe?

Your work and birth playlist

Late Delays: Everything you need to know

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PRE-BIRTH ACUPUNCTURE

Research on the use of acupuncture to prepare women for childbirth first appeared in a 1974 study by Kubista and Kucera. Their research concluded that once-a-week acupuncture from 37 weeks gestation was successful in reducing the average working hours of the treated women. They calculated working time in two ways. The first was the mean time between a 3-4 cm cervical dilatation and delivery. In the acupuncture group, this was 4 hours and 57 minutes compared to 5 hours and 54 minutes in the control group. The second was the mean subjective labor time, measured from the onset of regular labor (10-15 minutes) to delivery. The acupuncture group had a working time of 6 hours and 36 minutes compared to 8 hours and 2 minutes for the control group.

In 1998, Zeisler et al. Acupuncture from the 36th week of pregnancy. This study concluded that acupuncture treatment had a positive effect on the duration of labor by shortening the first phase of labor, defined as the time between 3 cm of cervical dilation and full dilation. The acupuncture group had a median duration of 196 minutes compared to 321 minutes in the control group.

In 2004 there was an observational study (Betts & Lenox) examining the effects of acupuncture before birth. It involved 169 women who received prenatal acupuncture who were compared to the local population for pregnancy at the onset of labor, incidence of medical induction, duration of labor, use of analgesics, and mode of delivery. In the acupuncture group there was an overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (in women having their first child this was a 43% reduction), a 31% reduction in epidural frequency. When comparing midwifery-only care, there was a 32 percent reduction in emergency C-section births and a 9 percent increase in normal vaginal births. The conclusion was that prepartum acupuncture appears to offer some promising therapeutic benefits in helping women have normal vaginal births and that another randomized controlled trial is warranted.

With all the testing, poking and prodding, therapy and preparation, it seems like there are so many things to “do” or try during pregnancy. What about acupuncture? Customers have experienced the most amazing results with just these tiny needles that we use! Here are the most common questions I get asked in my practice as a naturopathic practitioner.

“I heard that acupuncture helps in pregnancy – is that true? Is it safe?”

My answer is always YES! Acupuncture is perfectly safe during pregnancy and has been shown to be extremely beneficial and effective. In the first trimester, it helps maintain a pregnancy, nourishes the body, and relieves early symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and heartburn. Later, the pain, constipation, and swelling associated with pregnancy can also be greatly relieved with acupuncture treatment.

One of the most important times for acupuncture during pregnancy is the third trimester to prepare the body for labor. I routinely recommend a series of prenatal acupuncture points and add specific points based on individual needs.

How does it work?

Prenatal acupuncture prepares a woman’s body for labor by toning and nourishing the body. The acupuncture points help relax and soften the ligaments of the uterus and increase blood flow to the pelvis. This encourages the baby to descend into the birth canal in the correct position while preparing the cervix to soften and dilate, effectively contracting the uterine muscles when needed.

What are the advantages?

o Increased likelihood of spontaneous labor around term, which means less likelihood of induction

o Reduced risk of medical intervention (C-section, forceps, epidural, etc.)

o Faster, easier birth (1.5 hours shorter on average)

o When acupuncture has been performed routinely, the effectiveness of natural “induction” acupuncture is increased.

When should a woman start prenatal acupuncture?

She should begin weekly 30-minute treatments beginning at week 36 and continue through her due date.

If I’m Overdue, Will Acupuncture Help Induce Me?

Yes, additional acupuncture points can be added if you are past your due date to: help your baby enter the birth canal, gently encourage cervical softening and stretching, and increase birthing sensations (contractions). These treatments may be repeated more frequently (every 1-3 days) until labor begins.

Acupuncture also helps build energy and calm fears and frustrations that often arise when a woman is past her due date.

Does Acupuncture Help Breech Babies Turn?

Yes. I often combine acupuncture with moxa (herbs heated over specific acupuncture points) to encourage babies to move into the correct position.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Usually no. Most people find acupuncture relaxing and often fall asleep during the treatment. It is normal to feel some heaviness or warmth around points, but in general acupuncture is fairly painless.

Does Acupuncture Cause Preterm Labor?

no Certain points are avoided until due because they are known to induce labor. The points used for prenatal acupuncture do not induce preterm labor.

Why should I see a naturopathic doctor for this treatment?

Aside from acupuncture, I help women prepare for labor using other therapies such as homeopathy, herbs, nutritional supplements, hydrotherapy, and hands-on techniques. I always teach women how to use acupressure at home and how to use these points as comfort measures during labour. Diet and lifestyle will also be discussed to ensure you are healthy throughout the rest of your pregnancy and after the birth.

The other great benefit of seeing a naturopathic doctor is that all of my treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs. We’ll discuss your questions about labour, childbirth, breastfeeding, vaccinations etc. and review your family history to ensure your baby has the best possible start in life! I can even become your baby’s primary healthcare provider!

dr Amy Dobbie is the Naturopathic Doctor at The WOMB – The World of My Baby. dr Amy works with all family members but has pregnancy, women’s health and pediatrics at heart.

Do your symptoms get worse after acupuncture? Do you feel pain worse after acupuncture? Do You Have Flu-Like Detox Symptoms After Acupuncture?

If you’re looking and reading this article, it means you may just have had your acupuncture – probably your first ever – and be confused with the changes in your symptoms after acupuncture. I have shortlisted the most common reactions to acupuncture, these patterns are recurring in patients in my 20+ years of practice.

Immediate reactions after acupuncture (first 24-48 hours)

1. Relaxation:

You can feel deeply relaxed, which lasts for hours or even a day. In such a state of relaxation, your concentration may be impaired: it becomes difficult to follow conversations or concentrate in meetings, or you simply cannot stay awake. As modern medical researchers have discovered, higher levels of endorphins (the brain’s own morphine) are released after acupuncture treatment, which may explain why you may experience a natural high after acupuncture. The best thing to do in this situation is to rest – relax and then take a nap or go to bed early. Your body heals faster when you spend more time in a deep sleep state.

2. Emotions:

Some patients would become more emotionally sensitive for a short time. I have seen patients cry for hours for no reason; grieving something that happened a long time ago, or becoming irritable and unable to tolerate others. If you experience these reactions, congratulations. You empty your emotional bucket timely and sane. We all have an emotion container to absorb our negative emotions from everyday stress. When the bucket is full, even the tiniest drop of stress can cause it to overflow, causing disproportionate emotional responses to the smallest of triggers. For many, they place heavy blankets on this container of emotions to hide their emotions from everyone. During the acupuncture session, this shell melts away and emotions pour out. It’s healthy to let your emotions run free from time to time. You could use this opportunity to start a deep emotional conversation with family or friends, or stop your life and find a quiet corner to absorb your emotions. After this period of emotional release – usually two or three days – you will feel lighter and more content with your life.

3. Pain Relief:

Acupuncture is known for its instant pain relief. If you have treated acute pain or injury, you may experience long-lasting pain relief after acupuncture. However, if you have been treating chronic pain, you may find that the pain subsides during the treatment session, but the pain will come back after a few hours or even come back with a vengeance.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, we think of the flow of energy in the body as the flow of water in the plumbing of a building (when we know it’s there but we can’t see it). When there is a flood in the bathroom, we know the drain is clogged. The Chinese doctor also sees a blockage in the flow of energy when there is pain. In Chinese medicine, chronic pain is a clogged drainage system and rusted pipes in the body. Acupuncture acts as a plumper, apply pressure at a specific point to flush out the blockage so flow is restored and the pain is gone. However, since the pain (constipation) has been there for a long time, the inner layer of the pipe is rusted and a lot of garbage is stuck to it. When the flow is restored, the garbage detaches and begins to move, blocking the flow again some time later. By then, the pain will reappear as worse pain or even move to a “new” location. As the acupuncture sessions continue, the flushing work continues until all the debris and rust in the meridians is removed.

If the pain worsens after acupuncture, don’t panic or worry, but take some sensible measures to relieve the pain, such as: It is important for the patient to provide feedback to the doctor about how long the pain relief lasted and whether the pattern or location of the pain changed.

4. Elimination:

Some patients experience detoxification symptoms such as increased urination after the acupuncture session. Some have told me they can’t stop peeing up to 10 times in one afternoon without drinking more water. As you would expect, her bloating and water retention would be greatly relieved. In the meantime, some may notice changes in their bowel movements: more frequent, increased volume or stronger smell. Both signs of good elimination indicate that the body is increasing metabolism, or in Chinese terms, better energy flow in the Kidney and Spleen meridians.

Long-term reactions after acupuncture (2 – 4 weeks)

Runny nose, sore throat and some cold symptoms may occur during the second or third week of acupuncture treatment. In Chinese medicine, an unresolved cold or flu was the underlying cause of many health problems, such as poor circulation, stiff neck and back, and migraines. Runny nose, fever and body aches are the natural reaction of the body struggling with a cold or flu attack, like casualties and bombed borders during the war that the defense forces fight the enemy before an invasion. If the drug is used improperly, the symptoms will be suppressed, but the health will deteriorate, like a truce in war by confiscating weapons from the soldiers, leaving the enemy to plunder the country. Once the acupuncture treatment boosts immunity, as if the army were ready to fight the invader again, cold and flu symptoms reappear. These symptoms usually last a week; Some Chinese herbs could be used for faster healing.

Meanwhile, some patients may notice the reappearance of many other symptoms that previously bothered them but which they sometimes forgot. It means that the increased body energy drives away many underlying ailments. For example, the recurrence of appendicitis or hemorrhoids that appeared years ago. While the body is in a reverse healing process, it often finds that the recurring symptoms do not cause as much discomfort as a normal seizure. A reassessment of the patients’ condition and a change in treatment plans would be required. It is important to let the practitioner know that past medical history may be recalled incidentally.

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There are ways to medically induce labor, but a person can often encourage dilation by keeping the body relaxed and loose. This can make delivery easier. Dilation is a term that describes the widening of the cervical opening. Dilation of the cervix is ​​a sign that a pregnant woman is going into labor. In the final stages of pregnancy, doctors do cervical exams to track the progress of the pregnancy and the extent of cervical dilation. During the first phase of labor, the cervix dilates to a width of 10 centimeters (cm). Dilation is usually gradual, but the cervix can dilate rapidly over 1 or 2 days. A few different factors can affect how quickly dilation occurs. In this article, you’ll learn how to stretch faster before and during labor.

How to Stretch Faster at Home The following methods can help with dilation without using medication: Exercise Share on Pinterest Using an exercise ball can help speed up dilation. Standing up and moving around can help speed up dilation by increasing blood flow. Walking across the room, performing simple movements in bed or in a chair, or even changing positions can promote dilation. This is because the baby’s weight puts pressure on the cervix. People may also find swaying or dancing to soothing music effective. Use an exercise ball A large inflatable exercise ball, called a birthing ball in this case, can also be helpful. Sitting on the ball and rocking back and forth or moving in circles can help keep the muscles in the pelvis loose and relaxed for childbirth. Relax It’s easy to get tense in the final stages of pregnancy, but learning to relax can have a number of benefits. Stress and muscle tension can delay labor by making it harder for the cervix to dilate. These problems can also prevent the baby from getting off. Many women benefit from breathing exercises or meditation before and during labor. Dimming the lights can also help. Laughter Laughter can keep stress and anxiety at bay. Even temporary relief can relax the body and aid in dilation. Fooling around or watching funny movies or stand-up comedy can help keep the spirits up before and during labor. Having sex Sexual stimulation can relax the body. A hormone called prostaglandin in semen can also promote dilation.

Tips for Faster Dilation During Labor Share on Pinterest Medical intervention may be needed during labor. While labor is a natural process, there are times when a doctor needs to intervene. Medical intervention may be needed if: a woman has an infection in the uterus

the baby is more than 2 weeks overdue and active labor has not yet begun

the water is broken, but there are no contractions

Underlying diseases make birth difficult for the mother or the baby. A doctor can use a drug that contains prostaglandins to soften the cervix and encourage dilation. A process called membrane stripping can help. A doctor or midwife rubs their fingers against the membranes of the amniotic sac to release prostaglandin into the uterus and dilate the cervix. Women who are interested in a non-drug or “natural” birth can avoid medical intervention until it is necessary.

The stages of birth There are three different stages: Stage one Share on Pinterest There are three different stages of birth. This phase has three phases. In the first phase, the cervix dilates to 3 cm. The baby falls deeper into the pelvis, and this increases the level of prostaglandins in the body, which stimulates expansion. The mucus plug that closed the uterine opening during pregnancy falls off. Capillaries in the cervix can rupture at this stage, causing a bloody discharge known as a bloody show. That is normal. The next stage is active labor as the cervix continues to dilate. Some doctors mark the end of this stage when the width of the cervix reaches 7 cm. Others use contractions as a guide. The last step in this stage, called the transition phase, lasts until the cervix dilates to 10 cm. Phase Two The second phase of labor begins when the cervix dilates to 10 cm and ends with delivery. The duration can vary from woman to woman and is influenced by various factors. Phase three In this phase, the doctor will deliver the placenta and cut the umbilical cord.

Overview What is cervical ripening? Cervical ripening is a normal process of softening and opening of the cervix before labor begins. The cervix is ​​stiff and closed during most of pregnancy to keep your baby in your uterus. But during labor, cervical dilatation (widening) allows your baby to pass through your birth canal. Cervical ripening often happens naturally. Some women may benefit from assisted cervical ripening. This can take the form of medications, devices, or procedures to ripen the cervix before labor begins. Who Needs Cervical Ripening? People who are in labor often benefit from cervical ripening. Induction (through drugs or procedures) triggers contractions to start labor. You may need labor induction and/or cervical ripening if you: have an overdue pregnancy (pregnancy lasting more than 41 weeks).

Have health risks that threaten your health or the health of the fetus. These may include preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or growth restriction.

You live far from a hospital and need to plan your birth somewhere closer. How will my doctor know if I need a cervical ripening? Healthcare providers use a scale called the Bishop Score to determine the degree of cervical ripening. When your doctor examines your cervix, they can determine your Bishop score, which can range from 0 to 13. He will check if the cervix is ​​softening, thinning, and dilated, as well as its position. A Bishop score of less than six means your cervix is ​​not very mature. Therefore, cervical ripening may be necessary. A Bishop score of more than eight means your body is preparing for the onset of labor. And you probably won’t need a cervical ripening when your labor is induced. At what stage of labor does cervical ripening occur? Cervical ripening usually begins before labor begins. During the first phase of labor, your cervix becomes both thinner and dilated. The second phase usually begins when your cervix is ​​fully dilated to allow your baby’s head to pass through, which is usually 10 centimeters.

Procedure Details How is cervical ripening performed? There are a variety of ways to perform cervical ripening, including: Non-pharmacological methods (natural techniques that do not use drugs).

Medication.

Special devices.

membrane stripping. Are there natural ways to mature the cervix? Some women choose to allow their cervix to ripen naturally in the weeks leading up to childbirth. It is important to note that these techniques are not supported by evidence-based research. So you should talk to your doctor before trying them. Non-pharmacological maturation methods can work by stimulating the release of hormone-like chemicals in your body. Natural maturation methods include: Acupuncture.

breast stimulation.

Castor oil.

Enemas (injection of water or liquid into the rectum to clean out the colon).

herbal supplements.

Hot baths.

intercourse.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). How do drugs mature the cervix? Your doctor may recommend synthetic (man-made) prostaglandins to help mature your cervix. Prostaglandins are naturally occurring chemicals in your body that have hormone-like properties. Synthetic and natural prostaglandins work to soften the cervix and relax the neck muscles, which aids in dilation. You can get prostaglandins as a gel, pessary (vaginal insert), or pill. To apply gel, your doctor inserts a catheter (thin, flexible tube) containing the gel into your cervix. You may need multiple applications (up to three doses in 24 hours). You can also get prostaglandins as suppositories. A pessary is a device that fits inside your vagina and contains prostaglandins. Your vagina absorbs the medicine as it is released from the pessary. You can leave the pessary in for up to 12 hours or until active labor begins. Other drugs that can ripen the cervix include: dinoprostone.

mifepristone.

misoprostol.

oxytocin. How do devices ripen the cervix? Dilators widen the cervix and apply pressure. These actions stimulate the release of natural prostaglandins. Your provider can insert an inflatable balloon into your cervix through a catheter. Then they fill the balloon with saline or sterile water. How does surgery mature the cervix? Procedures to ripen the cervix include: Amniotomy: Your doctor uses a small hook to rupture the membranes around the amniotic sac. Rupturing the sac can help release prostaglandins to allow cervical ripening.

Your provider uses a small hook to rupture the membranes around the amniotic sac. Rupturing the sac can help release prostaglandins to allow cervical ripening. Stripping the membranes: Your provider inserts a gloved finger into your cervix. Then they rub or separate the membranes that connect your uterus and amniotic sac. This technique releases prostaglandins and helps mature the cervix.

Risks/Benefits What are the risks of cervical ripening? The various cervical ripening techniques each carry their own risks. The risks from medications are usually small but can include: Diarrhea.

Fever.

nausea and vomiting.

Too many contractions (hyperstimulation). Uterine hyperstimulation is a rare but serious side effect of some labor inducing drugs. They can cause prolonged or too frequent contractions and endanger the health of the fetus. Risks of cervical ripening procedures may include: Bleeding.

drop in fetal heart rate.

Fetal injury or death.

Maternal or fetal infections.

Umbilical cord prolapse (the umbilical cord falls into the cervix) or compression (the umbilical cord stretches or is compressed so that the fetus does not get enough blood). What Are the Benefits of Cervical Ripening? Cervical ripening helps shorten the duration of labour.

Recovery and Outlook What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cervical Ripening? Cervical ripening can help shorten the time to delivery and is not known to have any long-term effects on your uterus. The reason you need a cervical ripening may increase your risk of having a cesarean. A cesarean section can increase the health risks to you or the fetus in future pregnancies.