Pressure Points to Induce Labor

Acupressure is one of the most effective natural ways of labor induction. The technique makes use of pressure points to induce labor. When the gravida receives pressure on the specific labor points, the blood flow is stimulated and helps the baby to descend into the pelvis. Maternity acupressure encourages the baby to get into the position for delivery. It also stimulates the baby to dilate the cervix and initiate contractions. Use of acupressure points to induce labor has an additional advantage of relieving labor pains. This technique is preferred over medical induction as it is absolutely free of side-effects and is safe for both the mother and her baby.

When to Use Pressure Points to Induce Labor: There are three main situations when you can make use of pressure points to induce labor. The very first and the most general situation is when the due date for delivery has passed and the baby is still in the womb rather than in the arms. Secondly, the gravida is in labor and wants to strengthen the contractions. Thirdly, the amniotic fluid has broken before the commencement of active labor. Make sure that you are using maternity acupressure only when your condition matches with any of the situations mentioned above. Never use it before you have completed all the stages of pregnancy and it is absolutely safe for you to deliver the baby.

Different Pressure Points to Induce Labor: If you have decided to try out the pressure points to induce labor, following are a few points specific for labor induction.

• There is a pressure point called Hoku. It lies in the webbing between the thumb and the index finger. It is exactly located at the juncture of these two finger bones. Apply pressure gentle at this point. Rubbing this point for a few minutes would stimulate contractions. Hoku, when pressed on steadily during labor, eases pain.
• The pressure point Bladder 32 is located midway between the depression in the spine and the buttocks. You can feel this point as a small dimple above the top of the buttock bend. Press the point intermittently.
• Spleen 6 is present between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. Rub this pressure point for about a minute. It stimulates the baby to move down into the pelvis.
• The next pressure point lies in the trapezius muscle. It is the muscle which connects the neck to the shoulder. To trace this pressure point, start with the highest point where the muscle connects to the neck. Go down approximately 2 cm below this spot. The area which feels to be the most soft is the pressure point in question. Apply light pressure to this point in small intervals.
• There is yet another pressure point to induce labor. Its exact location is in the inner side of the leg, about 5 cm above the ankle bone. Massage the area for a few minutes to strengthen the weak contractions.
• The day of delivery is very crucial. You would be naturally tensed and nervous. You can help yourself by doing a simple thing. Keep on pressing the roof of your mouth with your tongue. In this way, you would not only be able to induce labor naturally but also help yourself feel calm and relaxed.

Tips to Find Pressure Points to Induce Labor: There is a sensation felt in all the pressure points. When the pressure points are pressed, you get a feeling of light pain. Make use of this fact to trace the specific spots. You can take help of your doula or midwife to find the spots. Don't press the pressure points too hard. In case you are not able to tolerate the pain, release the pressure.

It is recommendable to use pressure points to induce labor only when All the stages of pregnancy development are over and you are completely prepared to deliver the baby. Keep in mind that not all pressure points work for every female. Do consult a gynecologist before using them for labor induction.