Acupuncture for Pregnancy Birth and postnatal care
Acupuncture can be used to assist with a range of pregnancy related conditions, offering women an alternative to taking medication. Acupuncture may also be used for the discomfort often regarded as part of a ‘normal’ pregnancy that just has to be endured. While acupuncture is viewed by many as an ‘alternative’ medicine, it’s use in pregnancy is widespread in certain countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland and New Zealand, where midwives undertake specialized acupuncture training. Below is a list of some of pregnancy conditions commonly seen in clinic (this is by no means exhaustive):
Acupuncture for threatened miscarriage
Acupuncture for early pregnancy supportive care
Acupuncture for pregnancy nausea
Acupuncture for constipation and hemorrhoids in pregnancy
Acupuncture for varicose veins and vulval varicosities in pregnancy
Acupuncture for pregnancy headaches and migraines
Acupuncture for back pain in pregnancy
Acupuncture for pelvic pain in pregnancy
Acupuncture for pregnancy fatigue and exhaustion
Acupuncture for pregnancy insomnia
Acupuncture for pregnancy anxiety and depression
Acupuncture for Heart burn in pregnancy
Acupuncture for Itching in pregnancy
Acupuncture for pregnancy-induced hypertension
Acupuncture for gestational diabeties
Acupuncture for breech babies (See below)
pre birth acupuncture
This involves a series of four treatments weekly from 36 or 37 weeks to prepare for labour. Points are used according a woman's constition and pregnancy history. This may include points used to assist in ripening the cervix, positioning the baby in the best presentation for labour and to promote optimal energy and stamina for women. Please be in touch for further details.
For further infomation on research involving prebirth acupuncture click here
acupuncture for breech babies
Breech babies are ideally treated between 34 - 36 weeks gestation. This is often a one off treatment with women being shown how to continue treatment at home with a moxa stick (a herb that has been shaped into a cigar like stick). The moxa stick is lit and held over specific places in the body to stimulate the acupuncture points.
For further information on research into using moxa therapy to treat breech presentations click here
acupuncture for induction
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment to encourage the natural onset of labour for post-term babies. It works harmoniously with the delicate hormonal balance of late pregnancy, stimulates uterine contractions, dilates the cervix and aims to promote an efficient labour by invigorating and descending a woman’s energy to allow her baby to be born. From 40 weeks onwards, I recommend having treatment every second day, ideally allowing some time before any medical induction is scheduled. Acupuncture treatment can often facilitate the initiation of contractions. In some cases women will only require one treatment, but more commonly two or three treatments are required to sustain contractions.
acupressure for labour
As part of my practice I promote the use of Acupressure during labour. Acupressure can both be used during labour to promote a more efficient labour but also to provide drug-free pain relief. I teach acupressure points to pregnant women and their support person(s) prior to labour (around 36 weeks) and can attend births if needed.
For further information on research about Acupuncture and Acupressure for pain relief during labour click here
post natal acupuncture
There is a long documented history in traditional Chinese medicine of women using diet to encourage lactation and recovery from childbirth or a miscarriage. This was seen as very important for ensuring future fertility and for women to provide future care for their families. Termed the ‘Golden month’ in China this was seen as a time of resting and consuming specific foods to aid recovery. While 30 days of recovery time may initially sound a little excessive, it was considered essential to compensate for not only the birth but also the total experience of being pregnant for nine months. This is not a time for absolute bed rest but rather a time where physical rest is taken at every opportunity, exercise is appropriate (not an exhausting attempt to get back into shape), and a diet that focuses on building blood and energy. Acupuncture and moxibustion (mother warming) treatment can be given at this time to support your body to rebuild strength. I also give specific dietary advice at this time to support you with your recovery.