Acupuncture in Pregnancy

Acupuncture is a very safe and effective treatment for both the mother and the baby - at any stage of pregnancy. It’s extremely helpful in common pregnancy-related conditions such as:

  • anaemia  Pregnant woman smiling.
  • anxiety and insomnia 
  • backache and sciatica
  • carpal tunnel syndrome 
  • constipation
  • depression 
  • heartburn
  • high blood pressure
  • itching
  • nausea and morning sickness
  • oedema
  • pelvic pain
  • threatened miscarriage
  • tiredness 
  • urinary tract infections


Breech presentation

Moxa treatment for breech presentation.This treatment, using moxa, has been found to have a very high success rate in turning the baby. The best time for the treatment is week 34 or shortly after, although some babies can turn later. After the first treatment, during which I will show you how to use the moxa sticks, you or your partner can apply the treatment at home daily for ten days (detailed written instructions are given).

Pre-birth acupuncture treatments

These treatments prepare you for childbirth by strengthening your Qi (vital energy) and helping cervical dilation, softening pelvic ligaments and promoting the downward flow of Qi. The pre-birth treatments have been found to significantly help with duration of labour and to reduce the need for medical intervention. They are best carried out as weekly treatment from 36 or 37 weeks till the onset of labour.

Induction of overdue labour wih acupuncture

This treatment aims to promote natural physiological labour and offer women a very effective and safe alternative to chemical or manual induction.

Acupuncture treatment focuses first of all on addressing any underlying reasons that might be delaying labour, taking into consideration:

  • the position of the baby,
  • cervical ripeness,
  • emotional readiness of the mum-to-be (onset of labour can be easily delayed by presence of unresolved emotions such as fear, anger or grief),
  • degree of tiredness/exhaustion,
  • presence of a painful physical problem,
  • anxiety or fear of giving birth or being medically induced.

Attending to these issues often leads to labour commencing spontaneously. If, however, contractions are still slow to start or to get established, I use specially selected acupuncture points to invigorate the flow of Qi and blood through uterus to stimulate rhythmic contractions and support cervical dilation. These points can also be pressed/massaged by the woman or her partner, at home, in between treatments to reinforce and continue the effects of acupuncture (I give every patient detailed written description of all the points and instructions on where and how to find them).

 

Post-partum recovery - "Mother warming"

“Mother warming” is a one-off treatment, usually given around day 4 or 5 after birth. It is used to energise the woman and aid recovery from labour by replenishing her Qi. It is well liked by women as it can easily be done in the convenience of their own home with the help of the support partner . The treatment involves the support partner warming the woman’s abdomen by passing a lit moxa stick above the skin (a moxa stick and detailed instructions are given to every patient). 

 

Useful links

  • Birthchoiceuk.com -  information, checklists, reading list and links to help you make decisions about the birth of your baby.
  • Bellybelly.com.au - Australian website with articles and support forums on conception, pregnancy, birth, babies and parenting.
  • Childbirthconnection.org - evidence-based information and resources on planning for pregnancy, labour and birth, and the postpartum period.
  • The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth - excellent site run by a New Zealand acupuncturist Debra Betts - information, research, diet advice, acupressure point location videos, infertility and pregnancy forum.

 

If you have any questions regarding acupuncture treatment or would like to have an informal chat about how acupuncture could help you

please call me on 07941 872 814

or email me at info@nourishinglifeacupuncture.co.uk