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| Category: Birth and Pregnancy |
Date published: October 8, 2007 |
To Induce Labor or Not to? Medical and Natural Labor Induction
by Lena Leino
In Western countries, it is becoming more prevalent to induce labor with medications and synthetic hormones, rather than using natural methods. However, studies have shown that many chemically induced labors are more painful and run a high degree of risk, when compared to other natural forms of labor induction. One method that has been used for many years and is both safe and effective for inducing labor is acupressure.
Acupressure is both natural and effective. It has been used for thousands of years and has not only made giving birth easier it helps remove much of the pain associated with childbirth. Using drugs or pharmaceuticals to induce labor is very common; however it has a high degree of risk. Choosing safer alternative methods is preferable to the side effects and potential complications that may occur from using chemicals to induce labor. Acupressure has been used for centuries and is safe, effective, and doesn't carry risky side effects.
In fact, many labor health care workers and professionals are recognizing the advantages that labor acupressure techniques offer and are encouraging women who are past their due dates to utilize the benefits of acupressure before agreeing to induce labor with pharmaceuticals.
Pitocin is the most commonly used drug to induce labor. If your health care provider suggests inducing your labor chemically, they will more than likely administer Pitocin. Pitocin is a synthetic form of a natural hormone, Oxytocin, but the administration of Pitocin is tricky and, unfortunately, it has a number of side effects. The first problem experienced by women who are given Pitocin is that the strength of their contractions could become extremely intense. And after Pitocin is administered, there's nothing one could do to lessen the amount affecting in your body.
Additionally, science has yet to determine the full impact that Pitocin has on the unborn child. Many studies also show that there is a link between the use of Pitocin as a labor induction remedy and an increased risk in Caesarean sections due to fetal distress.
With these risks and complications, many feel that it is preferable to induce labor with natural methods, such as with acupressure.
Acupressure is safe, gentle, and effective. It has no harmful side effects and does not harm the baby. The only possible effect that a woman may experience would be tenderness at the spot where the pressure was applied. Relaxation is one of the most important tools needed to begin labor, and acupressure helps to bring relaxation to the woman's body. By using different labor acupressure points, you can help the cervix to ripen and dilate as well as encourage contractions to start and become more frequent.
According to a recent study (Complement Ther. Med. 2005) women who participated in a control study group were given labor acupressure treatments after they were past their due dates and the results were compared with women whose acupressure points for labor were not treated. The findings showed that those who received labor acupressure point treatment had significantly higher results of their labor starting naturally than those who hadn't received any acupressure point treatments.
Acupressure has been shown through studies and research to be continually effective in managing the pain associated with labor and delivery as well as inducing labors that have extended beyond their due dates. Acupressure is a safe alternative to chemical inductions and is one of the best ways to induce labor naturally.
Discover safe and effective labor acupressure techniques that help you to induce your labor naturally by encouraging your baby to descend, helping your cervix to dilate and stimulating your contractions. Acupressure points for labor and delivery also give effective labor pain relief without the risk of slowing down your labor. Visit www.MaternityAcupressure.com for more information.
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