With all the sites, blogs, and articles that promote the practice of using acupressure induce labor, it seems reasonable to me that there would be a ton of coverage on the possible dangers dealing with acupressure and pregnancy. However, there seems to be disappointingly little information about this. All too often I've actually seen and heard the opposite of this; people offering advice on this issue that is incorrect and can actually be harmful. This has caused me to create a mental list in my head of myths to debunk.

Myth 1: Acupressure will do nothing until your body is ready to give birth.

The truth: While slightly true, this myth does not elaborate by covering the fact that your body gets "ready" for labor long before it is really safe for you to be giving birth. Doctors of holistic or eastern medicine, massage therapists, western doctors, and even many pedicurists warn you to stay away from pressure points around your hands, feet and abdomen anytime after your first trimester for this very reason. Well-informed massage therapists and even salon workers are careful not to stimulate these areas accidentally with foot and back massages, if they will even provide service to you (some actually wont.) This is not poor business or customer service, and isn't meant to strike fear that at any time you can accidentally bump a pressure point and induce premature labor. It takes more than a bump or poke by accident to stimulate these points, so don't worry too much there. Rather, it is simply to inform you that you should be careful not to intentionally "activate" these points before you know for certain it is safe for you to induce birth.

Myth 2: When using maternity acupressure, labor will not begin until the next day.

The truth: This can be true, but it is entirely based on each woman and each pregnancy. You should never expect the exact same results as someone else, or even as your last prenancy. In many cases, early labor signs can begin as early as 1 hour after the treatment. Birth normally will take place within the first 48 hours, but signs for early labor will generally start much more quickly than that, so be aware and prepared for them.

Myth 3: You can perform all maternity acupressure treatment yourself.

The truth: If you can still reach your feet, which are the most used area of your body for maternity acupressure, then this is technically true. Also if you can still reach your feet, bravo! You CAN preform acupressure on yourself if you're that mega-flexible, but it is strongly advised that you get an "assistant", anyway. Your partner, a family member, or a friend can help you. The reason for this is not only to reach all the points, but also to be around to help when labor does start, especially if it starts quicker than you expect.

Myth 4: It is safe to perform labor acupressure at any point late in your third trimester.

The truth: No! This is one myth that is completely false, and I was shocked when I heard someone say this, and even more so to find out it has been written all over the web and many people take it as fact. Please, please do not attempt this before you've been told induction is safe by your doctor. As mentioned above, The only other time it is safe to start treatment is if you've already begun labor and want to help things move along more quickly or relieve some pain and nausea.

To be honest, it helps immensely if you are able to have a licensed professional perform maternity acupressure on you. But prices for this treatment vary greatly depending on your area and who is performing the treatment.  Sometimes the cost is downright ridiculous, if you are even able to find a professional in your area!  So if this is not an option for you, then at-home acupressure treatment is possible.  Just be sure to be well informed before attempting it.

Be sure all is well and safe for you and your baby. Acupressure is very helpful in relieving pain, speeding the birthing process, and even with positioning the baby correctly, but should only be done when the time is right. Preferably, it should be all cleared by your doctor beforehand. Physicians are used to getting questions about naturally inducing labor in all sorts of ways. If your doctor doesn't know about acupressure to induce labor, seek a second opinion. Acupressure is the most popular way to naturally induce labor, and almost all doctors know about it these days. I'm honestly skeptical of any who are not familiar with this method.