There are a few different points that some women will use for pain relief during their labour. They include:
Neck points
Buttock point
Reflexology points
Neck points (GB 21)
Some support people will use the neck points (known as 'GB 21') to help the woman with her labour pain, during the 1st and 2nd stages of the labour.
The neck points can be found when the woman drops her head slightly forward, and the partner, support person or caregiver runs their fingers down the back of the woman's neck, until a prominent bone is felt at the base of the neck (the 7th cervical bone). An imaginary curved line runs from the bony prominence of her neck, to the top of her shoulder joint. The points lie midway along this curved line, at the highest point of the shoulder muscle. The neck points should only be used in labour.
Image 4-17 shows the exact position of the neck points.
Image 4-18 shows pressure being applied to the neck points.
The person will usually apply a firm, downward pressure with their thumbs, knuckles or elbows. For people who prefer to use their thumbs, the pressure needs to come from down through their arms, to avoid having sore, tired thumbs. The person will normally apply the acupressure to both shoulders together, starting at the beginning of each contraction and gradually building the pressure up with the contraction. The pressure is usually released, once the contraction has subsided. A gentle rub and massage of the shoulder, neck and jaw area, can help the woman to relax, also reminding her to release any tension.
Buttock points (BL 32)
The buttock point (known as 'BL32') lies just above the buttocks, one-finger width either side of the spine. When the person feels this point with their finger, they should be able to feel a small depression where the point lies. Many labouring woman will direct the person performing the acupressure, because when the thumbs are in the correct place they usually 'feel right'.
As the labour progresses and intensifies, the person applying pressure to the points moves down the spine (often about one thumb width at a time) to move slightly closer to the spine, until the thumbs arrive at the top of the buttock cleft. This can be repeated throughout the labour. Many women find this a great relief, particularly when their back aches during, and after, the contractions. This point is easier to get to if the woman is kneeling on all fours, leaning against the wall, table or bed and can be used in shower, or bath, providing she is on all fours.
Image 4-19 shows pressure being applied to the buttock points for pain relief.