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Acupuncture to Induce Labour - Is It Right for You?
Acupuncture, an ancient, natural pain relief technique involves the insertion of thin needles into various pressure points to release pain and pressure. Lately, it has started gaining popularity as a means to initiate labour. Studies suggest that women who had performed acupuncture during pregnancy had an increased likelihood of getting into labour naturally, thereby reducing their chance of needing a cesarean for delivery. Applying acupressure is usually easy, and it can be quite effective in inducing labour when done by a professional. Acupressure can be a great way to kick-start labour without relying on a medical 'push'.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the earliest known healthcare systems in the world. Originated in China, it is an alternative medical practice that works on the belief that life energy flows through the body and any blockage which interrupts this energy flow can result in pain or disease. According to traditional Chinese medicine, health is a harmonious equilibrium of complementary life force extremes, “yin” and “yang”. Any imbalance of these life forces can cause illness. Practitioners inject very thin needles to different depths at specific body points to relieve pressure, clear blockages and facilitate the flow of energy. The resultant balancing of energy helps boost one's well-being and brings relief from pain and health issues like headaches, whooping cough, and blood pressure problems.
Is Acupuncture Safe to Induce Labour?
The acupuncture points can be helpful during childbirth. It may be a subtle and harmless way to induce labour without side effects. The limited studies conducted till date reveal that the use of acupuncture is safe in order to induce labour, and no known harmful effects to the expectant mother and her unborn child have been recorded. However, more research is required to study in detail its efficiency to prompt labour and ascertain all the likely risks. Insufficient evidence makes it tough to guarantee its safety.
It is advisable to use acupuncture to induce labour only if the expectant mother is 40 weeks pregnant - it may be inherently dangerous to apply it earlier as it might encourage labour too early. Also, it is important to allow a trained and skilled acupuncturist to perform it instead of trying it on one's own. The use of disposable, pre-sterilised needles and maintaining strict hygiene is essential to avoid any probable infections later on.
How Does Acupuncture Work During Labour?
Acupuncture and labour may have a strong connection. Acupuncture can stimulate a pregnant woman’s body once she has completed the gestation period to get ready for labour. Needling can trigger her body to release prostaglandins which ripen the cervix, and Oxycontin, which generates contractions. The production of hormones naturally develops a gradual start of labour rather than a traumatic one, and the expectant mom is more likely to have a smooth and easy delivery. Some doctors like to call acupuncture “labour preparation” as it preps the mother and baby for the childbirth process by relaxing the body and activating hormone release, followed by uterine contractions. In any case, the therapy helps the pregnant women relax and feel good.
Can Acupuncture Relieve Labour Pain?
There are two primary theories about how acupuncture can help relieve labour pain. One is built on neuroscience, which believes that needling stimulates nerves, connective tissues and muscles which enhances blood flow and signals the brain to release the body’s natural painkillers - endorphins. Endorphins are believed to be more potent than the popular narcotic, morphine, in diminishing even severe pain. Another theory states that an acupuncture birth may help in decreasing the body’s inflammatory proteins causing reduction in pain and inflammation.
Most mainstream doctors are accepting of the therapy’s technique for pain relief particularly when conventional medicine isn’t useful. However, acupuncture continues to be controversial in Western medical science. It is hard to establish investigations using scientific controls owing to the invasive nature of the technique; therefore, it remains unclear how acupuncture may work scientifically to benefit with pain relief during labour.
How Many Acupuncture Treatments Are Required to Induce Labour?
Acupuncture is simply a means to spark the progression of natural labour. It may work differently for different people and in different situations. In instances where pregnant women have completed full gestation, they may require between one and three acupuncture treatments before labour commences. Several studies indicate that labour normally starts 6 to 48 hours after an acupuncture session. In case a pregnant woman is overdue, she may like to receive treatment every alternate day to provoke labour. On an average, things may progress for most pregnant women after 2 to 3 treatments. However, it is advisable to speak to a doctor before seeking acupuncture treatments while pregnant.
How Quickly and Effectively Will Acupuncture Work To Induce Labour?
An acupuncturist may not be able to use all the pressure points when dealing with pregnant women because of their stimulating impact on the body. Some points, like the lower back or upper shoulders may already be sore due to pregnancy. Thus, the treatment can comfort and soothe some of the aches and pains which in turn may provide an additional boost of energy that is much needed at the time of labour and delivery.
Further studies show that pregnant women who received 2 to 3 acupuncture sessions advanced into labour naturally compared to women who received only standard care. But needling may not cause labour if the body is not ready for it. Research reports that in cases where mothers are overdue, the success rate of acupuncture to bring on labour is almost 88 %.
Therefore, the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in bringing relief from pain at various stages of labour may be promising, but its effect or usefulness in causing labour is not definitive.
Benefits of Acupuncture to Induce Labour
Some of the possible benefits of acupuncture to induce labour can be:
Pregnant women are less likely to experience extreme pain and ask for epidurals for pain relief because of acupuncture therapy
It may induce adequate relaxation and calmness which can help pregnant women during labour. Relaxed muscles can translate into a feeling of less pain in labour
Being calm can result in the release of Oxycontin, which is responsible for producing contractions, thereby averting unnecessary intervention
At times, the childbirth process may take a lot of time, causing much distress. In such scenarios, acupuncture can be most helpful to incite labour
FAQs
Some of the frequently asked questions about acupuncture are:
1. Should I Consult an Acupuncturist Who Specialises in Pregnancy?
Every individual may have a different requirement of acupuncture. Also, most maternity hospitals do not support this practice. Therefore, pregnant women who want to opt for acupuncture may have to look for private acupuncturists who are experts in managing such cases. It is important to consider one's finances as it can be expensive.
2. Should I Get Acupuncture Before 35 Weeks of Pregnancy?
No, you should not attempt to start labour before 35 weeks of pregnancy. The topic of early induction has generated much discussion. Almost all doctors agree that the delivery process should not be hastened by acupuncture except if it is medically compulsory.
Acupuncture treatments may have many advantages for expectant moms. Some women may prefer to explore alternative medicine to incite labour to avoid the use of drugs and their side effects. But more conclusive research is required for acupuncture to be accepted in mainstream medical practices. Someday, it can benefit more women to give birth naturally (vaginally).
Also Read: Best Ways to Induce Labour Naturally Read more
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Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)
Becoming a mother is a feeling that is second to none, and getting pregnant is the first step in that direction. If you have been trying for quite some time but are not getting the desired results, an ovulation predictor kit can help you out.
Ovulation is a natural process that denotes the release of eggs from your ovaries. Every month, many eggs mature inside the ovaries. The one which is the healthiest among them moves to the pelvic cavity, and from there, it goes to the fallopian tube.
The egg survives no more than 24 hours without fertilization (the union of egg and sperm).
A sperm can survive not more than seven days inside your fallopian tube. This is the only small window every month when you can conceive.
The sperm which has the ability to swim in a straight line is considered the healthiest one, and this is required for fertilisation. When trying for a baby, your partner needs to ejaculate every 3-4 days to produce such a sperm.
The chances of conception are the highest if the intercourse takes place in the first two days just before ovulation.
Most women take the help of ovulation predictor kits to determine the right days for intercourse. So, how do ovulation predictor kits help? Here is all you need to know about an ovulation predictor kit.
What Is an Ovulation Predictor Kit?
An Ovulation Predictor Kit (OPK) tells you when you are the most fertile. These kits work by detecting the surge in the production of the hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH) that happens a few days before ovulation. Luteinizing hormone and ovulation are closely associated. A surge in the production of this hormone is what triggers ovulation.
Timing the intercourse just a few days after the surge will increase your probability of conception as it is during this time that the egg and the sperm are close to each other. Using ovulation tests to predict fertility is very common among couples trying to start a family, as they identify your fertile window.
When To Take An Ovulation Test?
Ovulation Predictor Kits help you to understand when your fertile period would begin which is usually 17 days subtracted from the actual length of your cycle. So, if the length of your cycle is 28 days, start taking the ovulation test on the 11th day and continue for the next six days.
Types Of Ovulation Tests
There are different types of OPKs and they work in the following ways:
1. Test Strip Method
This is a very popular method of identifying one’s ovulation period. It consists of strips that you need to place into your urine stream directly. You may also dip the strip in a cup containing your urine.
2. Mid-Stream Method
This kit resembles home-test kits for checking pregnancy and the method of testing is more or less same as well. You have to place a few drops of your urine on the test strip and observe the colour change. You need to compare this colour to the base colour. Depending on this, you will be able to say if you have already crossed your ovulating cycle or it is a few days away. The darker the colour of the strip, the closer you are to your ovulation period.
Urine-based OPKs work by testing your urine to check the increase in the LH and this is something that happens only 1-2 days before you start ovulating.
It is important to note that LH in a small proportion is always present in your urine. However, this increases four to five times a few days before ovulation and this is what triggers ovulation. The ovulation cycle is when your chances of conception are the highest.
3. Salivary Ferning Kits
Another way of testing is the use of salivary ferning kits. These consist of a small portable microscope which you need to use and analyse your saliva to determine salt-content. The salt content in your saliva goes up when more oestrogen is secreted. The dried salt resembles fern-shaped crystals.
The ferning is visible one or two days before you start ovulating or a couple of days after it. This helps you understand your most fertile window. At other times, the salt dries without any particular shape.
4. Ovulation Calculator
An ovulation calculator is another tool that you can use. This calculator is available online, and you need to furnish few details like the first day of your last menstruation cycle and the length of your cycle. Once you enter these details, the calculator shows your fertile days to conceive.
What to Choose?
Urine-based tests offer 99 percent accurate results and are the best option for you to use at home. However, do not use these tests as a contraceptive as the results are not foolproof. Moreover, you can become pregnant for up to 24 hours after ovulation. There can be a surge in the secretion of LH, even without the release of eggs. There can be false alarms too before the real one.
Ferning does not give as accurate results as the urine-based tests. Moreover, ferning can take place if you are taking Clomid or similar fertility drugs during your menstrual cycle.
Regardless of the method you use, try and maintain an ovulation calendar so that you have a clear idea of the tentative days when you would be most fertile.
How To Use Ovulation Kit?
In the case of urine-based OPKs, collect your urine in a cup or bowl or place the strip under as you pee. You will observe a change in the colour of the strips which indicates whether there is a surge in the production of LH.
You can also make use of digital OPKs that show symbols to tell when you would be most fertile. A digital ovulation test is also quite popular.
The general instructions usually vary a bit. However, as a rule of thumb, it is important that you collect your pee between 8:00 in the morning and 10:00 at night. The ideal time is believed to be between 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. Try and maintain a fixed time for testing every day.
How To Read Ovulation Test Results
To know how to read the test results, you first need to conduct the test in the proper way.
Try and collect your pee more or less around a fixed time every day. This will help you track changes more accurately. Also, do not collect the urine just after waking up. By doing so, you might miss the first day of surge in your luteinizing hormone. Drink fewer liquids for a few hours before taking the test, to avoid the dilution of the test results.
Make sure to read the result within ten minutes of conducting the test. While the positive result would not change, a few other coloured bands might start to appear. Throw away the ovulation test strips or cards after you have read the results.
If you are opting for the salivary ferning kit, you would need to take the test just after waking up, before you drink or eat anything. Make sure that the saliva you test is free from air bubbles. Place saliva on a slide or simply lick the slide. Wait till the saliva dries and use the microscope to check if it has formed any fern-shaped patterns.
Advantages Of Using Ovulation Kits
There are many advantages of using OPKs. Some of them are:
Ovulation kits offer nearly accurate results and they are more precise than any other method of identifying the ovulation period. If you do the test properly, OPKs are 97 percent effective in detecting the LH surge, which is used as a marker for ovulation.
Ovulation kits are also easy and convenient to use. Apart from the ease of use, you are also required to conduct the test during the middle of your cycle, the time when you are most likely to ovulate, meaning this is something that you do not need to do every day. In the case of other tests like basal body temperature, you need a daily commitment. Here, all you need to do is place a few drops of your urine on the strip or stick.
OPKs are also easily available. You can purchase these kits in your local pharmaceutical store and even supermarkets. You do not need a prescription for buying these kits.
It is always easier to conceive when you know when your fertile period is. This is more so when you and your partner have such routines that regular sex is a problem. You can schedule the intercourse in such a way that it falls within your fertile window.
Disadvantages of Using Ovulation Kits
Every coin has two sides. Ovulation kits have a few cons too and they are:
OPKs do not actually say whether you have ovulated or you are going to do so. They detect the surge in LH production which is thought to precede ovulation. There are times when an egg does not emerge from the follicle. This is referred to as the luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome.
OPKs are also not able to say whether your cervical mucus will be able to provide the sperm with a conducive environment to swim through. What you experience as vaginal discharge in the middle of your cycle is mucus secreted by the cervix that offers the sperm a fertile environment for fertilisation. OPKs cannot track whether this cervical mucus is optimal for conception or not
Ovulation kits do not work if you are on fertility drugs. OPKs do not give proper results when your system has fertility drugs like Pergonal.
Ovulation kits also do not actually come cheap. The branded ones (which you should use for accurate results) are quite expensive and often one kit is not enough.
OPKs do not work well for women who are above 40. Women who are nearing menopause already have a high concentration of LH in their urine all the times. Thus, OPKs fail to give proper results.
Hormonal changes, cysts, and even fertility medications can lead to ferning even when you are not ovulating. Also, you are required to take the ferning test several times in a day and you need to plan them around your meals. This can be a problem.
So, there are both advantages and disadvantages associated with ovulation predictor kits. The advantages obviously outweigh the disadvantages. This is the reason why millions of future moms are using this kit to help them conceive. OPKs offer better results when teamed with monitoring drugs.
Unless you are above the age of 40 years, you can easily use these kits to identify the days in your cycle when you will be most fertile.
What Else To Know?
Common drugs like paracetamol do not affect the results of this test. However, as already mentioned, this test does not work if you are taking medicines that contain LH or human chorionic gonadotrophin.
Many brands offer ovulation test kits and you can even order these kits online. Make sure you look for a trusted one. Talk to friends or relatives who have already used these kits and conceived. Happy conceiving!
Also Read:
How to Confirm Pregnancy At Home
Easy and Homemade Pregnancy Tests Read more
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How to take care of babies dry skin? Which oil to use for massaging? Is Cow ghee good for massaging?
Hey so basically most of the babies have very dry and sensitive skin and moms are worried about that as I am..I am a first time mom of a 4 month old baby girl She has very sensitive skin and now a days her skin is getting dry..So i wad soo worried..My nani suggested me cow ghee but i was worried to use it if it will work or not it will suit my baby skin or not..does it will do any side efferct than what..Her skin is also prone to ALLERGY..she get rashes on her fave neck arms..Docter says she has a kind of allergy, may be a food allergy or may be from some clothes..I thought it may be a heat rash or may be eczema..
We as a mom get worried easily and have to face a new challange daily..every day begins with something new to worry..
So the first thing is we have to stop worrying (if possible😂Now how the tips that worked for me for her dry skin.and rash are
Massage daily- oil massage is so soo soo important..Never miss massaging your baby.The best oil is the virgin coconut oil.You can use any virging coconut oil and massage properly the whole body of the baby..And the leave it for atkeast half an hour and the bath the baby..
Use moiturizer- Now which is the best moiturizer for the baby..we have so so so many options in the market that its so tough to decide the best for our baby..So you have to give a trial on some products and than choose the one which suited the beat on your baby skin...For my baby @SEBA MED works really well it keeps her dry skin hydrated and also helps to clean out her rashes.
Sponge bath in evening-My baby is teething so she is drooling a lot..and she gets dirty n the drool leads to rashes so in evening i use lukewarm water and a muslin cloth to clean her body and than moisturize her body..
Massage at night-Yes you hear it right..massage two times a day will help to keep baby skin soft and smooth and will also help the baby to sleep well as it soothes her body..Earlier i was using the coconut oil at night but from now a days i m using pure desi cow ghee for her and it works as my nani says it keeps her skin soo smooth and rash free..give it a try if it suits your baby skin it will be a magic for you..
Choose products that suits to your baby skin type..dont change product frequently..
Some modern tips and some from your nani dadi and both will work really well... Read more
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DIY Skin Care Products for Pregnant Women
Change the way you care for your skin during pregnancy with products you can make right at home. They can work just as well as commercial products and are a lot safer for your skin.
Pregnancy brings out the best in your complexion. But, it's also a time where you need to be extra careful about what you put on your skin. Those store-bought, chemical-based creams and lotions need to be pushed behind in favour of gentler products that do their jobs without posing a risk to you and your baby. Instead of rushing out to buy a new collection of items, consider whipping up a batch at home. DIY skin care products for pregnant women can work just as well and save you loads of money!
1. Kiss Acne Goodbye
The flip side to that pregnancy glow that has everyone raving is the onset of acne. Your body's going through hormonal changes that can manifest themselves in the form of zits and red bumps. Fortunately, there are ways to tackle this with homemade skin care products during pregnancy. Make a simple face mask with a grated apple mixed with honey to form a gooey solution. Apply it all over your face, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with tepid water. You can also make an exfoliating mask with just honey and sugar.
2. Brighten Your Skin
During pregnancy, some women get what's called Chloasma, which are dark patches mainly on the nose, cheeks and upper lips. Being out in the sun can worsen it. What you can do as part of your natural skin care regimen during pregnancy is to make a mix of milk and oatmeal that will act as an exfoliant. Apply it to the darkened areas and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Wash off and apply a good sunscreen.
3. Remove Blackheads
Blackheads are nothing but blocked pores caused by build-up of oils. They can occur any time, even during pregnancy. The key is to unblock the pores gently by using an exfoliant and keeping your skin clean. Make a paste of ground rice soaked in milk and apply it all over your face. Massage it for about two minutes and wash it off with cold water. Do this once or twice a week if you get blackheads often.
4. Manage Dark Circles
Your skin care regimen during pregnancy can be expanded to counter dark circles that are common among many women. With a few slices of refrigerated cucumber, you can lighten the darkness and perk up your eyes. Take two slices of cold cucumber and place it over your eyes. Sit back and relax for about 20 minutes. Remove them, splash your face with cold water and follow up with a moisturiser.
Don't let acne, spots and dark circles stop you from looking your best. Show off a terrific complexion with the help of gentle skin care products that are safe for use during pregnancy. You can make the most of this time to try your hand at whipping up some wonderful DIY beauty recipes. Read more
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
15 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
3 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
14 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
14 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
7 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
2 hours ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
8 mins ago
A. yes u can further you can contact with your doctor and you can get thhje the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concernged person with the geniune advice ...
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