She Strengthens

Beyond Your Due Date? 7 Pressure Points to Help Kick-Start Labor

If your due date has come and gone, you’re probably eager to meet your baby. While there’s no magic formula to induce labor, acupressure might be a natural solution to get things moving. This ancient practice involves applying firm massage or touch to specific points on the body, believed to redirect energy flow and stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue.

Understanding Acupressure and Labor

Acupressure is often used as a complementary therapy to modern treatments, aiming to improve various health issues, including chronic pain, illnesses, and stress overload. Some practitioners believe it can boost blood flow to the uterus, influence hormonal responses, and even bring on contractions. Although there’s limited evidence to support its effectiveness in inducing labor, acupressure has been shown to reduce labor pain and duration.

7 Pressure Points to Try

Before attempting to induce labor, ensure you’ve reached 40 weeks and have your healthcare provider’s approval. Then, try these seven acupressure points to potentially kick-start contractions and ease labor pain:

• SP6: Located on the back of your calf, about 2 inches above your inner lower ankle bone. Apply firm, continuous pressure with your index finger for a few seconds, then repeat.
• BL60: Found a few inches below SP6, in the space between your ankle bone and Achilles tendon. Use your thumb to lightly massage BL60 for a few minutes.
• PC8: Also known as “labor palace,” this point is in the middle of your palm. Apply light pressure with your thumb and gently massage for a few seconds.
• BL67: Located on the outer edge of your pinky toe, near the nail bed. Firmly pinch BL67 with your thumb and index finger.
• LI4: Found in the webbed skin between your thumb and pointer finger, right below your pointer finger knuckle. Massage LI4 using soft pressure with your thumb.
• BL32: Located in the dimple at the base of your back, above your butt. Use your thumb to press firmly on BL32 and massage for a few minutes, moving down toward your butt.
• GB21: Found in the middle of your shoulder muscle, above your collarbone. Firmly pinch GB21 with your pointer finger and thumb, then massage with downward pressure for a few seconds.

What to Expect

There’s no guarantee when acupressure might induce labor or if it’ll work at all. However, if you’re past your due date and have your healthcare provider’s approval, it’s worth trying. Remember to also try stimulating the pressure points during labor for potential pain-relieving benefits.

Important Reminders

• Always get your healthcare provider’s approval before attempting to induce labor.
• Don’t try to induce labor before 40 weeks, as this can lead to complications for your baby.
• Acupressure is not a substitute for medical care; if you have any concerns or health issues, consult your healthcare provider.