Understanding Maternity Acupressure

Using maternity acupressure as a way to begin labor has been scientifically proven to work in over 80% of the women who have reportedly used this method. Many offer primitive methods such as riding in a bumpy car or drinking castor oil but both of these endeavors can be a bit uncomfortable.

What Is Maternity Acupressure?

Maternity acupressure concentrates on the pressure points that are found in your body. Shoulders, hands, ankles and the lower legs are areas where a maternity acupressure specialist will provide guidance in stimulating your body to begin contractions. Once you have been shown the exact areas and the procedure of massage, you will be able to pursue this method with your partner at home.

What Are The Benefits?

Helping your cervix to ripen and dilate are the main physical characteristics of maternity acupressure. It has also been reported that the pain of childbirth is easier and the duration of labor is cut by as much as two hours. The engagement of the baby to present itself is the ultimate goal of maternity acupressure and is now becoming widely used by massage therapists and midwives in an effort to help induce and relieve stress and pressure as the delivery becomes evident.

What Not To Do?

There are warnings that should be heeding in deciding on maternity acupressure. Never should this procedure be used until your baby has reached full term and induction methods has been discussed and approved by your physician. You should not attempt maternity acupressure on yourself but enlist the aid of a partner; friend or family member only after a maternity acupressure specialist has explained the critical pressure points in detail. It is never advised to use maternity acupressure until the time for labor is close.

Myths

There are several myths regarding maternity acupressure that one should steer clear of. The myth that labor will not begin for over twenty-four hours from your treatment is absolutely false. Most women report a time frame of 4-6 hours and some as soon as twenty minutes. Don't ever think that you have time to take a trip or go shopping. The best thing to do is just relax at home.

If you have considered using different forms of acupressure, not just maternity acupressure, never start a program until after your delivery. Pressure points in your body can stimulate areas that could interfere with your pregnancy and actually do more harm than good. Talk to friends and medical personnel that are familiar with maternity acupressure so you are well informed before deciding to use this method of inducement.

Maternity acupressure can help you become more comfortable and at ease with a natural birthing process but knowing the facts and dangers of what is involved can save you from a bad experience.