When to have Acupuncture for Induction?

**Heaven** · February 11th, 2009, 08:33 AM

I've been having AP regularly throughout my pregnancy and weekly from 35 weeks.
Was wondering when I should ask him to do induction points?? He's been getting my body ready for labour the last few weeks and getting baby in the right position, etc.

My next appointment is next week at 40+1. Am wondering whether I should ask for induction points then when I'm just at my due date and not really overdue yet, or wait until the next week when I'm a bit further. Any advice??

**The[cookie]Doctor** · February 11th, 2009, 08:35 AM

Most won't do it until you are full term so at 40+1 I don't see why not to have it.
Natural induction techniques will only work if the baby is ready anyway, so it doesn't hurt to give it a go!

**BellyBelly** · February 11th, 2009, 08:38 AM

Yep most wont actively induce until your due date, but labour preparation acupuncture should start 35/36 weeks to get the best from it.

**Heaven** · February 11th, 2009, 08:43 AM

That's what I was worried about A, didn't want to do anything before the baby was ready iykwim. So if baby is not ready it's not actually going to force it out like a medical induction!! lol.

**Tobily** · February 11th, 2009, 09:28 AM

I would ask them to start it at 40 weeks - sometimes you need two or three treatments so you need to have a bit of time up your sleeve to allow for that as well.

**Heaven** · February 11th, 2009, 10:54 AM

Thanks Tobily!

**Olive** · February 11th, 2009, 11:14 AM

SJ i had AP yesterday and he started on the iduction points but just the 'basics' if that makes sence!

**SamiH** · February 11th, 2009, 11:40 AM

I had been having it since 20 wks. I had a 38 wk midwife check - she said go for it - I had been well, bubs had been fine, I felt good and ready, 3rd baby ...

So my practitioner at 38w2d said he would do a couple, and of course would only start something if bubs was ready. My appt was at 10am.

My waters broke at 2.30pm that afternoon

Do it now i say! Good luck.

**Heaven** · February 11th, 2009, 11:55 AM

Thanks guys!! Yay, I will definately ask for it next appointment. Maybe I will have my baby next week! How exciting!

**Pandora** · February 11th, 2009, 12:01 PM

Yep I was told I could have it any time from 38 weeks, and if the baby wasnt ready it wouldnt work. So thats when I was planning to start.
I didnt know I might have trouble finding a practitioner to do it that early..

**SamiH** · February 11th, 2009, 12:04 PM

Yep I was told I could have it any time from 38 weeks, and if the baby wasnt ready it wouldnt work. So thats when I was planning to start.
I didnt know I might have trouble finding a practitioner to do it that early..

Are you already seeing someone? I think that is why mine was ok with it - I had been seeing him since 18 wks (not 20) - I remember that now cos I was still having m/s and he helped with that, and we didn't know the sex at that time .... he knew me and my preg history.

**Pandora** · February 11th, 2009, 01:02 PM

not yet, maybe i should start now.. i dont even know if there is anyone close to me I could go to

**Olive** · February 11th, 2009, 01:08 PM

ray i started going at 30 weeks

**OceanPrincess** · February 13th, 2009, 08:52 AM

Heaven as I said in my belly buddy post my practitioner started some more "intense" points and she said she wants to see me straight after my 40wk Obs appt next week to see if she can help move things along.

So I think she falls into the category of "not wanting to start before 40 wks".

Ray where are you located?

**Heaven** · February 13th, 2009, 09:12 AM

I'm going next week the same day as my 40wk midwife appt too, lol. Didn't want to wait any longer, I want to meet my baby now!!

**amyalexandra** · February 13th, 2009, 09:39 AM

Wow that's pretty cool Sami
bubs was certainly ready to come!

Just out of curiousity, how long does an acupuncture session last for? and if you have never ever had one b4 for anything, will it work?