Yes, acupuncture can induce labor.

More Info: In a study published in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine acupuncture was used to test the theory that it can help to induce labor. Fifty-six women who were full term were divided into two groups, one treated with acupuncture the other nothing.  Seventy percent of the acupuncture group went into labor compared to fifty percent of the group receiving no treatment.  Acupuncture also seemed to decrease the need for C-sections.  The study was small and more research is needed, but the results are promising.

Acupuncture to Initiate Labor (Acumoms 2): A Randomized, Sham-controlled Clinical Trial; Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe during pregnancy, and is actually quite therapeutic in treating pregnancy-related issues such as swelling, fatigue, nausea, and lower back pain. Many woman find acupuncture a natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, some of which may interfere with a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture can be practiced at any stage during the pregnancy, and may even be used during labor to help with pain and discomfort. However, before starting acupuncture, it's important to get the green light from your obstetrician as well as to notify the acupuncturist that of the pregnancy, as certain pressure points should be avoided in prenatal women.    

Dangers of Acupuncture

Though the dangers of acupuncture are low when practiced by a professional, they do exist.  Injury can occur with misplacement of the needle, defect in the needle, or movement of the patient while the needle is being inserted.  The use of unsterilized needles also poses a health risk.

The greatest danger in choosing acupuncture as an alternative treatment to a disease or condition is that the patient may postpone seeking a medical diagnosis for a serious or even life threatening condition, which cannot be treated by acupuncture.