Acupuncture can be used to induce labour, and those practitioners who use it for this reason report a good success rate: this is not substantiated evidence, and more research is needed. However, due to its low side-effect rate, acupuncture is a very safe method to try if you are not keen to have the more usual methods. At the very least it can help you have a good nights sleep before going into labour, and help relaxation prior to all that work to come!

If you choose to try acupuncture as induction, it must be carried out by a practitioner who has experience of the technique as well as experience in managing pregnancy and labour. Your practitioner needs to be confident of spotting any warning signs, either in terms of acupuncture or early labour. If in doubt, don’t, or contact us at The Body Clinic for advice from a practitioner.