Pregnancy Acupuncture

Pregnancy acupuncture offers valuable emotional support, relief from specific pregnancy-related symptoms and promotes general well-being.

Is acupuncture safe in pregnancy?

One of the main concerns for expectant mothers is the safety of any intervention during pregnancy. Pregnancy acupuncture is no exception. The good news is that when administered by a qualified and experienced acupuncturist, acupuncture is considered safe throughout all stages of pregnancy.

Just remember to tell your acupuncturist about your pregnancy as soon as you know, as well as any existing health conditions you may have.

Where do the needles go?

To ensure maximum safety during pregancy we primarily needle acupuncture points on the arms and legs, avoiding any points on the lower abdomen and your growing bump. We also avoid certain points known to stimulate uterine contractions.

Later on, these points come in very handy when want to encourage your little one along.

What are the benefits of pregnancy acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an effective way to manage some of the more challenging aspects of pregnancy. It can be used at any time during pregnancy to support women experiencing the following:

Katy was vital in keeping my morning sickness at bay when I was pregnant. I loved the fact that the treatments incorporated plenty of time to talk about how I was feeling, both physically and emotionally, as this allowed Katy to tailor what she was doing to meet those specific needs. I always left a treatment feeling much more relaxed and the use of acupuncture seemed to have a tangible impact on my nausea.

When can you start pregnancy acupuncture?

The best time to start treatment will vary depending on your individual needs, but it is safe to have at any time during your pregnancy. Many people use acupuncture during the preconception phase to support fertility. If you’re starting acupuncture during pregnancy, you may choose to begin in the first trimester.

Acupuncture in the first trimester

Early sessions can address common discomforts like nausea and fatigue while establishing a foundation for a balanced and harmonious pregnancy. For women with a history of miscarriage, acupuncture treatments during the first 12 weeks help the foetus firmly implant in the uterine wall and maintain a good uterine lining. It also supports you emotionally during the stressful first few weeks.

Acupuncture in the second and third trimester

If you are fit and well you will usually find this stage of pregnancy the most enjoyable. You’ve shared the news with friends and family and any sickness is hopefully on the wane. Unless you’ve got something specific going on I usually recommend you come and see me once a month during this phase. These treatments support both the growing foetus and strengthen and support the mother in preparation for the final phase of pregnancy.

I felt very well supported and reassured during my pregnancy and received regular treatments throughout

Preparing for labour

Pre-birth treatments help to prepare your body for labour. It does this by encouraging the ligaments and tendons to stretch with the pelvis, softening and ripening the cervix and helping the baby to descend into the pelvis in the optimal position. It also boosts your energy reserves and calms any nerves or anxiety you may be feeling.

These treatments start from week 36 and are carried out weekly until week 40-41.

Induction of labour

If needed, acupuncture can help to induce labour from your estimated due date onwards (or earlier if you have been advised you need an early induction for health reasons). However, I prefer to continue with pre-birth treatments until week 41 to give the body and your baby all the time that they need.

Full-term pregnancy can vary from 37 to 42 weeks, a range that encompasses a normal and healthy span for foetal development. The designation of 40 weeks as the standard duration is rooted in historical observations and averages and loosely corresponds to the lunar calendar. Dating scans provide further information but all of these factors have a margin of error that over a 9-month period can lead to a considerable difference in your official due date and when your baby is actually going to arrive.

This is why I always use the term ‘estimated due date’.

It is essential to recognise that each pregnancy is unique, influenced by factors such as genetics, maternal health, and environmental conditions. Embracing the natural variations in pregnancy length requires a more patient approach, recognising that the journey to welcoming a new life is as diverse as the individuals experiencing it.

Remember only 4% of babies arrive on their estimated due date!

Once you get to term and beyond, I add in some additional acupuncture points. These help descend the baby into the pelvic area, aid cervical dilation and stimulate contractions. It also calms any fears and anxieties that can build up once you have gone past your due date.

Read more about trusting your body to give birth.

Recovering from birth

The days and weeks after you give birth are a precious time to bond as a family. They’re also a vital time for taking care of yourself so that you recover from the birth. You need to eat nourishing food, rest whenever you can and ensure you get the support you need with taking care of your baby and yourself.

Postnatally, acupuncture can assist in relieving physical discomfort associated with childbirth, such as pain, inflammation, and fatigue. It can also help to balance postpartum hormones, that may be contribute to postnatal depression. Acupuncture can also reduce stress and anxiety, offering a calming effect.

In Chinese medicine we have a treatment designed specifically for this time called Mother Warming. We administer this in the early days after birth. Mother-warming is an ancient practise of warming certain points using moxa. It energises the mother and facilitates recovery. It can also help with pain relief and increasing milk supply. Read about Mother Warming here.

Wherever you are in your pregnancy journey know that there is support for you as you navigate the many challenges and joys this time brings. Why not book in for a free consultation to see if it’s a good fit for you.