When should i start accupuncture to avoid induction?

[Ginger]

hello,

last pg i ended up being induced at 42weeks. i would love to avoid an induction this time, so was wondering- at what stage do i start doing some preparation. eg. accupuncture, or anything else you can suggest to avoid being so overdue again?

aso, has anyone had any success in using accupuncture or something else that they could share?

[Trillian]

I would start from now getting yourself ready in other ways, drinking some RLT to help tone the uterus and also do some optimal fetal positioning to make sure that he is in the best position to get himself head down and engaged (not that it matters if he doesn't engage before birth, but if he is in the best position this will be easier for him to do). The biggest thing is *letting go* emotionally as our mind is often our biggest foe when it comes to things like this. You need to release any fears you have from L's birth and get yourself in the right birthing headspace. It may seem all airy-fairy, but a lot of women can't go into labour till they give themselves release from whatever is weighing them down emotionally - even if it is concerns/pressure about induction. Tell yourself little positive affirmations every day that you are not going to go overdue, that you aren't going to be induced, that your body is an opening flower etc. - maybe even look into some hypnotherapy.

[BellyBelly]

Best time is weekly from 36 weeks for induction/labour prep acupuncture. you can start sooner if you have other issues you want help with.

[SamiH]

I started seeing my practitioner at 20 weeks, saw him 4 weekly until 30 wks, then 32, 34, 36, 37 and at 38 wks everything was good and strong so decided to do a few extra points .... my waters broke that afternoon, contractions started 24 hours later (but I negotiated going home and coming in for monitoring etc ), had a beautiful natural birth!!!

So I would start now to ensure you have a practitioner you trust. Mine was a bit reluctant to do points at 38 weeks, so only did 3 special ones, so obviously bubs was just ready to come. He was stil 8lb10z 10 days early so all was good.

Good luck!

[Heaven]

My AP likes to see ppl once a month until 36wks and then weekly. He said from 36wks he concentrates on getting your body ready for labour and then at 40wks will use induction points. So I would go now!

[ubba82]

So is accupuncture expensive? How do you know if you have found someone good?

[SamiH]

I suppose you need to go with your feelings, but also speak to any other ladies in your area - or even doulas in your area - co-incidentally the doula that ended up being with me during labour and birth was also doula for my AP's wife!

Cost me around $75 per session. You might be able to claim some back on health fund if you have insurance.

[MamaPan]

Hi Rainy
As you know I used acupuncture for labour prep with DS. I started going at 37 wks and asked for prep only (no induction pts) - DS was born at 39 weeks, I would have done more pts the next week probably.
My current TCM practitioner wants me to go back at 34 weeks and then from 37 weeks onwards.
I highly recommend it.
I cant remember what you were doing last time but I also drank RLT 2 cups per day and did preg yoga both of which i think really helped with a smooth, fast (and not overdue) labour. Hope it goes the same this time!!
Good luck honey!!