To Naturally Induce Labor Try Maternity Acupressure
Maternity acupressure can be very helpful when your pregnancy comes to an end. You have probably taken various classes and made some decisions about how you would like labor to go. You may even have a neatly typed birth plan waiting in your hospital bag.
The truth is, most labors contain a few surprises. It is certainly helpful to think about your wishes for your labor, but it is also important to be flexible in case things go differently than you had expected. Additionally, there are some basic exercises and techniques, such as labor acupressure, that you can use to prepare yourself physically for your birth event which will make it more likely that your labor will proceed smoothly and according to your plan.
You probably learned about the importance of good nutrition during pregnancy from your birth class instructor. This is foundational for giving your baby a good start in life and for giving you the health and energy you will need for labor and delivery. Also, you may have been given various exercises to perform that will stretch and strengthen the muscles you will be using during labor. Don’t neglect these! Doing your kegels, sitting cross-legged, and squatting all will help to tone the muscles that will be most used during labor.
If you wish for an easiest, shortest and safest birth possible, it is helpful to know some techniques for encouraging your body and your baby to be ready for labor. One fascinating and effective way of preparing for labor and delivery is by using the maternity acupressure points. Maternity Acupressure works by applying pressure on specific spots along your body. Stimulating certain labor acupressure points on your body have certain effects within your body; this is especially true for the pregnant woman.
Many maternity acupressure points relate to induce labor naturally, but there are some things you can think about ahead of time. For example, as your due date approaches, your practitioner may be able to tell you whether baby’s back is to your front (the optimal anterior position) or if his back is toward your back (also known as posterior). The latter may result in a prolonged labor and dilation period or painful “back labor.” If this is the case with your baby, once you have reached 36 weeks, you may begin to use an acupressure point on your toe to turn the baby. If your due date has passed, there are a couple of other points you can try that are also associated with naturally inducing labor and strengthening contractions.
Using maternity acupressure to induce labor naturally at home would be the ultimate form of preparation. (Obviously this is not something you should attempt before your due date or without your practitioner’s knowledge and approval.) With the help of an instruction booklet (Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth), you or a support person can stimulate various acupressure points that will help to ripen the cervix, encourage the baby to descend, and lead to dilation and contractions. And once labor is started naturally and proceeding smoothly, maternity acupressure can continue to aid you in providing pain relief.

Posted December 28, 2008
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