Acupuncture should only be used for the induction of an otherwise healthy pregnancy at least 7 days after the estimated delivery date. The effects of acupuncture induction are a slow increase in tone of the uterine muscle which means that the effects of treatments are cumulative and not sudden. Treatments involve needle stimulation of points in the hands, feet and lower back, and may include massage of shoulder points. Needles are left in for up to 50 minutes per treatment, during which the mother might experience mild contractions and feels the baby move. Successive treatments over a period of 3 to 5 days may be required.