Pregnancy Acupressure Warnings – What You Need To Know

Maternity or labor acupressure is a holistic method that can have a remarkably beneficial effect in preparing the mother and the baby for the birth. It helps to induce labor naturally and is very effective in giving relief from labor pains without drugs and medications. During childbirth, it can be used to strengthen contractions, help the cervix to dilate and help to relax and stay calm.

Over the years, there have been many articles and sites promoting the benefits of using acupressure to induce labor.

While these sites are helping women find ways of naturally inducing labor, they are rather irresponsibly ignoring some of the warnings they should issue about using acupressure during pregnancy.

Too often, advice is given from third parties that is not only wrong but may be dangerous.

Here are a few warnings before using acupressure during pregnancy and how to do it safely…

Pregnancy Acupressure Warnings

Pregnancy Acupressure Warning #1: Do not use acupressure during pregnancy until it is safe to give birth.

The prevailing belief on the Internet is that maternity acupressure will not work until your body is ready to give birth.

This stems from some truth, but doesn’t take into account the fact that a woman’s body starts “getting ready” for birth months before it is safe to do so. Just ask any woman going through the body’s training exercises known as Braxton Hicks, which are false labor contractions experienced throughout the second and third trimester.

Most physicians actually warn against massages and acupressure near the hands, wrists, abdomen, and feet for this reason. Many spas and massage therapists ask specifically if a woman is pregnant so they know to avoid these areas.

Obviously, there should be no fear that you might induce labor merely by touching these areas. These areas require more stimulation such as directed pressure and massage techniques for acupressure to have any effect. You should, however, be absolutely certain that it is safe to induce labor before attempting to do so. The best way to know is by speaking with your doctor, or if you are overdue.

Pregnancy Acupressure Warning #2: Be ready for maternity acupressure to work.

There are many ways to stimulate acupressure points to induce labor. Most methods involve stimulating 2 or more spots simultaneously.

For some reason, there has been an overwhelming belief that acupressure during pregnancy takes a day or two to kick in. If done correctly, however, most labor signs start within 1 to 4 days after an acupressure massage which was performed correctly.

Birth itself may take up to 48 hours, but the symptoms begin much earlier. Be prepared to go to the hospital or be set up if you are going with a home birth.

Learn more: Top 5 Best Acupressure Mats Reviewed 

Pregnancy Acupressure Warning #3: Do not perform acupressure alone.

First, the chances that you will even be able to do the necessary acupressure by yourself are slim.

By the time baby should be on his or her way, you probably haven’t even seen your toes, let alone touched them, for at least 6 weeks.

The ankles and feet are very important in maternity acupressure, so you’re probably going to need some help. Not only this, but you should have someone there just in case the treatment works too well and labor signs strike you unprepared.

You can have the father, your significant other, a friend, or a family member help during this time. Just be sure it is someone you are comfortable with and let them know the possible outcomes.

An even better option is to consult a holistic doctor or acupressure specialist near you for a professional treatment.

Pregnancy Acupressure Warning #4: Do not attempt acupressure at any point in your 3rd trimester.

A woman’s body is almost completely ready to give birth by the first week of her 3rd trimester, but that does not mean it’s a good idea!

You never want to induce labor before it is safe for your baby.

Most women turn to acupressure because they are overdue and are ready to just be done with pregnancy. Others planned this method from the beginning and know the date which they can safely perform maternity acupressure.

If you are looking into ways to induce labor, be 100% certain that it is actually safe. Again, speak with your physician (or even a midwife) before deciding on any form of induction.

Another way to use acupressure for pregnancy is if you have begun to give birth already and want to alleviate pain without chemicals, and/or you want to process to move more quickly.

While acupressure has been proven for centuries to help ease pain, stress, and induce labor, it is still a medicinal practice and should not be taken lightly. Be sure you don’t fall into any traps or hype about this method and keep you and your baby safe!

Learn more: How to Choose an Acupressure Mat

Acupressure Points to Avoid during Pregnancy

Acupressure naturally helps women to deal with the annoying health conditions during pregnancy. It stimulates and activates body's energies to fight against illness and restore harmony. However, pinpoint pressuring must be avoided as it can cause harm to baby and even provoke contractions before due date. It is important to know about the acupressure points that must be avoided during pregnancy.

Acupressure Points on Ankles

Pressure points near ankle must be avoided during pregnancy. Medial malleolus (technically termed as Sanyinjiao or Sp6) is the prohibited ankle spot. It is located at width of three fingers above the ankle bone. Many a time people confuse this pressure point with Zhubin (K9) i.e. located just above the medial malleolus. K9 point is absolutely safe to use during pregnancy, in fact it is helpful in bringing ease to anxiety, high blood pressure and in restoring body’s energy.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, if the prohibited point of ankle is manipulated it can lead to contraction of pelvic muscle and uterus. These contractions before the due date can even lead to pre-term birth.

Acupressure Points on Lower Trunk

Pressure points on lower abdomen, sacrum and lower back must be avoided during pregnancy. By avoiding the pressure points on lower trunk one can prevent injury to foetus. 

Experts are of view that deep massage in any of the lower trunk area could affect the uterus. So it is needless to go deep into tissues of these areas.

Acupressure Point on Hands

Hegu, a fleshy spot located on dorsum of hand must not be touched during the acupressure session of a pregnant woman. According to Diane Joswick, an acupuncturist- if this acupressure point is massaged or manipulated then it can lead to contractions in pregnant women. Hegu is also known as union valley (or LI4) and is located between the thumb and forefinger.

Acupressure Point on Wrist

Another point that must be avoided during acupressure session of a pregnant woman is located on the wrist.  According to the American Pregnancy Association, manipulation of the points on wrist can be dangerous in early stages of pregnancy as it can cause uterine contractions.

Expected mothers must ensure that their therapist is having fair amount of knowledge and experience in pregnancy massages.

Learn more: Natural Synergy Cure