When a woman’s pregnancy is overdue or the mother is facing the threat of being medically induced, using maternity accupressure can help induce your labor naturally. The rate of women being induced has risen substantially in the last decade. Many women want a more natural way to bring on their labor. Acupressure has been shown to be very successful in giving relief from labor pains as well as granting stress relief. Maternity acupressure will not slow the labor down, in fact it can help to strengthen the contractions to advance the birthing faster.

This is a very simple hands-on technique. It uses fingers, thumbs, and knuckles unlike needles, which are used in acupuncture. The technique involves the use of pressure onto specific, sensitive pressure points on the body called acupressure points. These points can be found on the shoulders, hands, back, legs and feet. Stimulating these points can naturally bring on labor, because they can be used in such a way you have to be careful about stimulating these points before a woman is ready to begin labor. Maternity acupressure can be used during childbirth, to strengthen contractions and help the cervix to dilate. It’s also useful in turning a posterior faced baby and also helping the baby descend into the birth canal. You can also gain pain relief, relaxation and a feeling of calmness during labor by using some of the pressure points. Research shows that maternity acupressure drastically shortens delivery time. Women have noticed up to a two hour shorter delivery time than the average woman not using labor acupressure.

Anyone can safely use these techniques at home or in a hospital to start labor naturally. All you need is some basic instructions on how and where to apply the techniques. Many women have their partners be the supporting person to apply the acupressure. It helps the partner to feel more involved in the birth and to contribute to the well being of the mother and child. It also helps the mother to have someone she trusts and knows to be there for her. Many midwives and doulas are beginning to use maternity and labor acupressure on their patients to help them have a safer, shorter and more natural delivery. Acupressure is being performed in home deliveries as well as deliveries that are performed at a hospital or birthing center.

There are so many benefits to maternity acupressure. It’s simple and easy to learn and apply and can be performed in the comfort of your own home. There are no side effects to either mother or baby. It helps with the pain and anxiety of labor and there are no artificial drugs or needles being used. With so many benefits, it’s a wonder that more women who want to induce their labor don’t use it. Maybe someday this will be the preferred method of inducing labor.