Labour Induction

Are you past your expected delivery date?

Reasons for Medical Induction
A full-term pregnancy can be between 38 to 42 weeks. However, some doctors will schedule a medical induction 10 days past the due date. There are a few reasons why an induction may be necessary:

1. Complications like hypertension, pre-eclampsia, heart disease, gestational diabetes, or bleeding during pregnancy.
2. The baby is in danger of not getting enough nutrients and oxygen from the placenta and there is poor placental function.
3. Premature rupture of the amniotic sac and labour has not started within 24-72 hours. This poses a risk of infection to the baby if the mother is tested positive for group B streptococcal.
4. The baby is small for gestational age.

Benefits of Acupuncture Induction:
In traditional Chinese medicine, labour is viewed as a natural process which occurs when there is a shift from Yin accumulation and growth to a stage of Yang activity. Yang (Qi) will provide the energy and movement to ensure qi and blood flows freely to expel the fetus as the uterus door opens. Acupuncture aims to ensure there is a harmonious balance of qi and blood necessary for an efficient delivery.

If you are past your expected due date, the best time to commence acupuncture induction is 4-5 days before your scheduled medical induction (which is normally ten days past your due date). Acupuncture can reinforce labour in the following ways:

1. When the baby is not fully engaged, acupuncture can have a strong descending function on the uterus
2. Aid in cervical ripening
3. Dilate the cervix
4. Help with relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety

Acupuncture induction can reduce the need for intervention such as epidurals, cesarian sections, or pitocin (a synthetic form of oxytocin) which can bring on more intense and fast contractions than that of spontaneous labour contractions.