Acupuncture and Pregnancy

For over 3000 years traditional Chinese medicine has been used to care for women in pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Experience and research have shown that the majority of pregnancy ailments can be successfully treated with acupuncture. These ailments are generally treated as unavoidable and something to be suffered. However, suffering need not be a necessary evil in pregnancy.

Acupuncture is an ideal form of treatment, as many women are reluctant to take drugs during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. It offers women drug free relief for a multitude of problems that can arise during pregnancy and childbirth.

Acupuncture can be used in a variety of ways to promote foetal and maternal health. Its use for conditions often regarded as part of a normal pregnancy, for example morning sickness, sciatica and symphysis pubis pain can not only improve a woman’s quality of life, but also prevent them from becoming serious enough to necessitate medical treatment.

Acupuncture can be used to help stimulate the flow of blood to the uterus and also to help lift energy levels and reduce stress. Stress is not good for mother or baby.

Pre-birth acupuncture can enhance the prospects of an efficient labour, prepare women for giving birth and induce labour. Also, the teaching of acupressure to a woman’s partner or support network can make a significant difference to the levels of pain experienced.

Ideally, we would all go into pregnancy with glowing health. However this is often not the case, and although it is recommended that a woman begins treatment at least three months before attempting to conceive (naturally or via assisted means) to ensure they are in optimal health, it is not essential. Acupuncture can begin at any time during pregnancy and can be very effective and give great relief from troubling symptoms.

New mothers can greatly benefit from acupuncture too. The early weeks and months following the birth can be very demanding both physically and emotionally. Post natal acupuncture can be employed to rebalance the body and boost energy levels. Acupuncture has also been found to be very useful in alleviating the symptoms of post natal depression.

Acupuncture can relieve backache and exhaustion. It can help you relax and rebuild your energy making you ready to cope with the demands of becoming a mother (or a father) and all the changes and challenges that this brings.

Treatment can be used to relieve a variety of conditions including:

• Nausea
• Muscular skeletal pain
• Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
• Anaemia
• Anxiety
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Insomnia
• Oedema
• Headaches
• Sinus problems
• Threatened miscarriage
• Tiredness and exhaustion
• Carpal Tunnel syndrome
• Haemorrhoids and vulval varices
• Thrush
• Breech and posterior babies
• Hypertension
• Labour preparation
• Induction
• Pain relief during labour
• Post natal care

Acupuncture – offering a safe, effective and drug free treatment during pregnancy

Jackie Fairweather is a member of The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and abides by the BAcC’s codes of ethics and safe practice. These cover strict requirements with regard to hygiene and the disposal of needles and other equipment. Only disposable single­use sterile needles are used.

All members of the BAcC are covered by a Medical Malpractice and Public Liability insurance.