Supporting
Pregnancy
Acupuncture is an ideal form of treatment as it offers a drug-free alternative for relief from a number of problems arising in pregnancy. It is safe for you and your baby and if you suffer a lot from typical pregnancy symptoms, this may be a solution. It is a nurturing treatment which can offer relief at a time when other options are not possible.
Acupuncture can be used at any stage of pregnancy. It is recommended in the first 12 weeks to help support the pregnancy, and after that for pregnancy symptoms as required, especially in the last few weeks to help reduce discomfort.
Pre-birth treatment is recommended from 36 weeks to allow time for a gradual build up of the necessary hormones and to facilitate a more efficient (shorter) labour and (natural) birth. Correcting a breech position is possible using the herb Moxa close to an acupuncture point as long as treatment starts from 32 – 35 weeks of gestation. Induction with acupuncture when overdue can be implemented as long as this is after the medically advised estimated due date. Please note that using acupuncture in this way results in a slow increase in tone of the uterine muscle which means that the effects of treatments are cumulative and not sudden.
Postpartum acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels after the birth to help alleviate postpartum symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue and depression as well as helping with breast milk supply and mastitis.
Acupuncture can help with the following effects of pregnancy:
- Nausea & Morning Sickness
- Fatigue
- Sciatica
- Pain in (lower back) and, or pelvis
- Headaches and/or Migraines
- Insomnia
- High Blood Pressure
- Emotional problems
- Pre-birth preparation (studies show that acupuncture can help reduce the length and discomfort experienced during labour and lessen the need for medical intervention)
- Induction (if you are overdue and to encourage labour more naturally).