Debra Betts - Acupuncture and Acupressure for Pregnancy and Childbirth

Unestablished Labour Or Failure To Progress

If the baby is known to be in an anterior position but labour is not progressing efficiently the following points can be used in combination to encourage efficient contractions and cervical dilatation.

Sanyinjiao SP-6 and Hegu L.I.-4

Youtube point location video for SP-6

Youtube point location video for LI-4

 

Acupressure can be used for several minutes on each point. If possible Hegu L.I.-4 on one hand can be used in combination with the Sanyinjiao SP-6 point of the opposite leg. Ten minutes later this combination can be repeated starting with Hegu L.I.-4 on the opposite hand.

Cervical Lip

This is when, although the woman feels the urge to push, the cervix has not yet dilated fully. The cervix then has a swollen "lip" which makes it difficult to achieve full dilation. The woman will be told not to push by her midwife or doctor.

Point location Videos

If this becomes a problem during labour Sanyinjiao SP-6 and Ciliao BL-32 can be used.

Strong pressure with your knuckles is applied into Ciliao BL-32 for up to ten minutes. If possible pressure to Sanyinjiao SP-6 can also be used in combination.

Failure To Progress During Second Stage

Point location Videos

If a woman is fully dilated but there are problems in pushing the baby down through the birth canal firm acupressure to Jianjing GB-21 and Hegu L.I.-4 can be applied for 5-10 minutes.