Dues dates generally fall at 40 weeks but a full term pregnancy can last anywhere between 38 and 42 weeks, with delivery occurring within 2 weeks of the calculated due date. However there is a medical limit as to the number of days past 40 weeks that pregnancy is allowed to continue, with an induction generally being scheduled at 40 weeks +10-14 days.
The aim of acupuncture induction is not to get the contractions started but to promote an efficient labour. I would be reluctant to perform an acupuncture induction before week 41 and would recommend booking in for acupuncture induction 2 to 3 days before a scheduled medical induction.
Acupuncture for induction of labour is only suitable for healthy pregnant women who have had no complications in their pregnancy. It is not suitable for women who suffered from conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart conditions, diabetes, any bleeding or previous caesarean sections.
