PREGNANCY

Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to manage some of the uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy. You can receive acupuncture treatment at any time during the pregnancy for the following:

• Morning sickness
• Digestive problems
• Tiredness
• Aches and pains
• High or low blood pressure
• Anxiety and depression
• Pre-labour preparation
• Acupuncture induction

Breech

When administered at 33-37 weeks acupuncture is especially effective at turning breech babies.  It involves a very simple procedure where a herb called ‘moxa’ is burned above an acupuncture point on the foot. Your acupuncturist carries out the first treatment then shows the couple how to continue the treatments at home over the following 3-10 days. Moxibustion is an entirely safe treatment which encourages the baby to turn without the need for any further intervention.

You can read a selection of research on the effectiveness of this treatment HERE.

I will not be able to use moxa for breech if there is: twin pregnancy, placenta previa, high blood pressure, any uterine bleeding.

Pre-birth

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.

Pre-birth treatments start at week 36, and are carried out weekly up to and including week 40. If needed acupuncture induction can be given from your due date. However I prefer to continue with pre-birth treatments until week 41 to give the body as much time as it needs. Remember only 4% of babies arrive on their due date!

Induction

If mother and baby are in good health and you want to try for a natural labour, acupuncture induction is a very safe and effective way to encourage the start of labour.

In addition to some of the acupuncture points used during the ‘pre-birth’ phase, additional points help descend the baby into the pelvic area, aid cervical dilation and stimulate contractions. It also strongly calms any fears and anxieties that can build up once you have gone past your due date.

Post-natal care

It’s pretty tricky finding time for yourself during the first 6 weeks of your new babies life – especially if you have other children to look after as well.  I always recommend for new mums to come in for a treatment within these first few weeks to ensure that you are recovering from the birth and coping with the huge physical and emotional changes to your lives.  Acupuncture can be of benefit for:

• improving energy
• helping you feel more relaxed and able to switch off
• feelings of depression and anxiety
• problems with breast-feeding
• healing from any surgery or perineal discomfort

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