Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Acupuncture during Pregnancy treats a wide range of conditions such as nausea / vomiting, headache, carpel tunnel syndrome, sciatica, anxiety, depression, constipation and haemorrhoids.

Though Acupuncture is well known for it’s help towards the end of pregnancy, it is best to consult a little earlier to assess any need for regulation and support, before reaching the final weeks. Nature always knows best, and often women manage their pregnancy without any need for Acupuncture. However, the busyness of the world we live in, can influence how the nervous system reacts. Stress creeps in, impacting the natural flow of the body.

For Breech pregnancy, treatment with Moxibustion is becoming more popular, as women prefer to use natural methods of maintaining a healthy pregnancy and in preparation for natural labour. Moxibustion has been shown to increase fetal activity at around seven minutes after the start of the procedure until just after the treatment ends (Budd, 2000; Maciocia, 1998). In addition to this there is an increase in placental oestrogens and prostaglandin levels, which causes an increase in uterine contractility and therefore moxa (moxibustion) is also used to aid the labour process (Maciocia, 1998).

Acupuncture in Obstetrics is widely used within our neighbouring health facilities such as the NHS/UK. It is used also in hospitals and maternity clinics in Europe, America and worldwide.

Generally very few Acupuncture needles are required when treating during pregnancy. Catherine offers a unique combination treatment to women up until 38 weeks, using Acupuncture and Reflexology, with simple Naturopathic and Lifestyle guidances, to help empower and alleviate these stresses. This offers a wonderful priming and preparation for those final weeks, where Acupuncture is used solely to enhance the body’s wisdom enhance cervical ripening and preparation for labour and baby’s arrival.

As the effect of Acupuncture is significant and can be quite powerful, the client is monitored at all times. The abdominal region is avoided after week 12, and caution is used when needling back points.

There are some Acupuncture points that are contraindicated throughout pregnancy. It is important that you feel confident and comfortable during your experience of Acupuncture during pregnancy. We encourage transparency and believe in educating our clients, so we welcome your questions and any concerns you may have.

Lifestyle advice, suitable exercises and information regarding Acupressure points is given where appropriate, and this can be especially useful as due date approaches!

Though Acupuncture can provide relief from many discomforts during pregnancy, it is important to always consult with your GP and/ or consultant if at any stage you feel unwell during your pregnancy.

What is Moxibustion treatment for Breech Pregnancy?

Moxibustion is a warming technique, stimulating an acupuncture point on the little toe. The Moxa stick is a tightly wrapped/ compressed herb called Mugwort, it is cigar shaped. It is then lit with a candle to develop an ember which is then held over the acupuncture point. There are many recognised studies on the efficacy of Moxibustion in treating breech pregnancy, showing a success rate of 75- 80%.

During your first visit for correction of breech pregnancy, you will be guided carefully through the steps of this technique and you will be given some information and some Moxa sticks to take home with you.

This is such an easy technique and as it requires partner, family member or friend to help apply it at home, it is usually a lovely time for relaxing, catching up and planning the exciting times ahead!

How long does an Acupuncture treatment last?

Generally speaking during pregnancy Acupuncture needles are usually retained for approximately 20 minutes in total. The appointment itself may take longer than 20 mins, as the practitioner examines any possible issues, explains the use of Acupressure points, and discusses lifestyle advice.

Towards the end stage of pregnancy needles are often retained for longer than 20 minutes, depending on the clients reason for Acupuncture treatment.

How many treatments are recommended?

There are studies to suggest that Acupuncture given regularly during the pre- birth stage of pregnancy (36 weeks onwards), helps to reduce labour time and support the ripening and natural maturation of the cervix in preparation for delivery. Research in Obstetrical Acupuncture is ongoing in the clinical setting in many established maternity hospitals around the world.