While maternity acupressure is extremely effective in inducing labor and lowering pain through the birth process, many women do not know how to use it effectively. This article covers some of the basic points of maternity acupressure.

Maternity Acupressure is a non-invasive birthing technique that does not ask pregnant women to take drugs. It helps to control pain during labor and has been used by thousands of midwives, women and their partners during labor, with a high rate of healthy, normal births reported for the mother and the child. It has even been studied as an alternative to having a Caesarean. Maternity acupressure can be a benefit during a painful and difficult experience, helping the whole birthing process to go more smoothly for the child and the mother. While this technique has been studied and practiced by thousands of women, soon-to-be mothers should consult their doctors before deciding on this technique.

Maternity Acupressure works by using the pressure points found in acupuncture, but there are no needles involved. Slight pressure is applied to these pressure points during labor, or before to induce labor. The mother-to-be can have her partner, or a midwife or licensed professional do this as she breaths and prepares for birth. Midwives and licensed professionals have been trained on where the pressure points for pregnant women are. However, if the mother-to-be wants her partner to help with the birth instead, it is a simple process to learn, and can be practiced on others, before being used on the mother. It is also strongly advised that no practice be done on the pregnant woman before the scheduled delivery date so that premature labor is not induced.

The first step in learning maternity acupressure is to learn where the three main pressure points for labor are.
These would be located in these areas:

At approximately two finger-widths above the ankle bone, on the inside of the ankle
About a fingers width above the dimples of the buttocks
On the skin of the hand between the index finger and the thumb

The second step is practice. The mother-to-be and her partner can practice finding these points on the partners body and applying pressure to them. Once these points are found:

Using the first two fingers, practice applying pressure to point above the ankle bone
Using the thumbs, practice applying pressure to the point above the dimples
Using the index finger and the thumb, practice applying pressure to the skin of the hand between the index finger and the thumb

Each pressure point should be worked individually, with firm pressure applied for about five minutes each. After labor is initiated, maternity acupressure can be used to help manage the pain. Each point should be tried for up to half an hour before trying a different point to get different results.

The expectant mother should be made as comfortable as possible, but the ideal position for her to be in sitting or lying down.

Maternity acupressure is a safe, natural alternative to modern medicines and the high cost of long hospital stays. It can be a safe way to induce labor and control pain, while keeping the mother and baby safe. With maternity acupressure, expectant mothers can choose their birthing partners, and possibly even give birth in the comfort and privacy of their homes, leading to a more relaxed and safer environment for mom and the baby.