When you’re in the final stretch of pregnancy, it’s totally normal to be wondering: Is there anything I can do to help this baby along—safely and naturally? While no method is guaranteed to start labor, many expecting parents explore alternative practices like acupressure to induce labor, as well as acupuncture and chiropractic care as gentle ways to prepare their bodies for what’s ahead.

These approaches have been used for centuries to support overall wellness—but can they actually influence labor? Let’s take a look at what each one involves and how it might play a role in birth preparation.

Before we go much deeper into these natural labor induction methods – Who is The Labor Mama and Why Am I Here? 

Hey friend! I’m Lo – also known around here and social media as The Labor Mama. I’ve spent my nursing career in labor, delivery, and postpartum, have birthed 4 of my own babies, have labored thousands of mamas at the bedside, have taught thousands of students online, and have even delivered a few speedy little babies with my bare hands (oops).

Here at TLM, I offer online classes about birth, postpartum, newborn care, and breastfeeding to empower you the way everyone should be. The education + support I offer gives you experience, evidence, and empathy; you’re getting all of my years of “clinical” RN knowledge, honestly combined with my real experiences as a mama and a nurse. These are not your average hospital classes (those won’t do it, I promise), and honestly, birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding don’t follow a textbook or protocol anyway. You need to know so much more than that!

If you want to connect with me further, head to Instagram. There are hundreds of thousands of us over there learning together daily.

A note: This post may include affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission (thank you)! Rest assured, this comes at no additional cost to you. You can read TLM’s full disclosure here.

Acupuncture & Acupressure To Induce Labor: A Gentle Nudge?

Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and acupressure focus on stimulating the body’s energy pathways (also called meridians) to promote balance and wellness. In the context of pregnancy, they’re sometimes used to support the body’s natural readiness for labor.

While the exact mechanism of action for these isn’t fully understood, some believe these methods may help with:

• Encouraging cervical ripening (ie – making the cervix softer, stretchier, and more dilated or effaced)
  
• Promoting relaxation
  
• Reducing stress or discomfort in late pregnancy
  

And even if labor doesn’t begin right away, many people find the overall benefits—like better sleep or reduced tension—make a noticeable difference in their end of pregnancy quality of life.

What the Research Says

Research on these practices is still evolving. While the evidence isn’t a definitive green light, many studies point toward potential benefits—especially when these tools are used by trained, pregnancy-aware professionals. The key takeaway? They may not be a magic button, but they’re generally considered safe and worth exploring if you’re hoping to support your body’s natural labor process. If you want to dig further into the research of acupressure to induce labor and acupuncture to induce labor, this podcast episode by Evidence Based Birth will be helpful for you!

Chiropractic Care for Labor Readiness

Chiropractic care—especially approaches like the Webster Technique—focuses on aligning the pelvis and spine during pregnancy. Your better alignment is then believed to support better fetal positioning and overall comfort as you approach labor.

Some women swear by regular adjustments in the third trimester, noting improved comfort and potentially shorter labors. Personally, I loved getting adjusted. Even if I was feeling alright when I walked in, I always felt better walking out! If you’re thinking about this route, be sure to see a chiropractor who’s certified to care for prenatal clients.

Important Note: Always loop in your provider before starting any new bodywork in pregnancy—especially if you’re past 37 weeks.

Should You Try It?

Ultimately, no one technique can guarantee labor will start—but options like acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic care might help set the stage. And at the very least, they can offer relaxation, pain relief, and a sense of empowerment in those final days of pregnancy.

Want more detailed support on how to actually use these methods to prep your body for labor?

Check out the Your Body, Your Birth course—a step-by-step resource that helps you understand your options, use acupressure safely, and know when your body is truly ready for labor. It also deep dives ALL the natural induction techniques, so you can pick and choose the ones that feel good and right for you!

To Wrap Up This Post About Acupuncture To Induce Labor, Acupressure To Induce Labor, and Chiropractic Care for Labor..

Whether you’re days away from your due date or just starting to explore your labor prep options, remember this: your body knows what it’s doing – and it won’t go into labor until it’s ready! Practices like acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic care can be powerful tools in your “move things along” toolbox—but they’re most effective when paired with knowledge, support, and trust in your own instincts and your body’s own timeline.

Take what feels good, leave what doesn’t, and know that you have options every step of the way. You’ve got this, mama.

I would love to hear, did you try any of these methods? Let me know if you did and how they went for you in the comments! 

Xx, Lo

Looking for some other ways to get labor started? Here’s some other posts you’ll probably like:

• Eating Dates Might Help Your Labor: Here’s Why
• Midwives Brew: Should You Try This Natural Induction Method
• What is a Membrane Sweep and Should You Try One?
• The Miles Circuit: Can It Induce Labor?
• What Actually Makes Labor Start?
• Sex and Labor Induction: Does It Work? Can Nipple Stimulation Help Start Labor?
• Castor Oil for Labor: Induction, Safety, and Tips

More resources (and freebies!) for you to take a peek at:

• Comprehensive Birth Plan and Birth Priorities templates
• A complete Third Trimester Checklist
• The RN + mama of 4 Ultimate Packing List
• The Labor Mama online birth, baby and breastfeeding classes for every family

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