PREGNANCY

PREGNANCY

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is very safe to have during pregnancy and is an effective option at a time when many women choose to avoid taking medicine for minor ailments. It is essential that you choose an acupuncturist who is trained and a member of a professional body such as the British Acupuncture Council.

How can acupuncture help during pregnancy?

Many conditions which routinely crop up during pregnancy would benefit from a natural solution. Acupuncture, when provided by a trained practitioner, can give relief for a range of pregnancy related conditions:

Morning sickness
High/low blood pressure
Anxiety
Tiredness
Constipation
Tender breasts
Migraine and other headaches
Back ache
Pelvic pain (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)
Varicose veins
Acupuncture can turn breech babies

An adjunct technique to acupuncture called moxibustion has been used for many centuries to turn breech babies. A herb called moxa is 'compacted' into a cigar shaped stick, one end of which is lit and it's slowly smoldered directly above an acupuncture point on the little toe. Research is currently underway, but previous scientific studies have found promising results for the turning of breech babies; somewhere in the region of 80% success rate.

Acupuncture and Labour

Acupuncture can be used to help to induce labour in overdue pregnancies. It should only be used for induction when the mother has passed her due date, and then only with the consent of the obstetric team in charge of the birth. This ensures that all medical factors are taken into account and that the appropriate facilities are in place if the treatment is successful in encouraging the natural process to start. Acupuncture treatment can occasionally have a very rapid effect, but generally speaking it may take at least a few days to work.

During labour acupuncture is used for pain relief and to boost the mother's energy if the labour is a long one. Acupuncture can also be used to restart labour if it has slowed down or if contractions have stopped.

After the birth

Acupuncture is used by new mothers to increase energy levels, to promote healing and to combat the 'baby blues'. It also is very helpful in treating mastitis.