Pregnancy & Birth
Holistic Health & Healing Help Many Women During Pregnancy & Birthing Process
Acupuncture is popular with expectant mums, thanks to its natural and holistic approach.
Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Acupuncture is known to be an effective way to help bring relief from many of the discomforts associated pregnancy, including:
- Aches and pains
- Back ache, sciatica
- Haemorrhoids or constipation
- Headaches
- High or low blood pressure
- Indigestion and digestive disorders
- Mood swings, depression
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Oedema; swollen feet, legs, fingers
- Tiredness, lethargy, fatigue
Preparing For Labour
From 36 weeks, the development of your baby is complete and your body’s energy becomes directed towards preparing for childbirth.
Acupuncture at this stage of pregnancy is hugely beneficial in helping your body prepare for labour –supporting the sinews as they stretch to widen the pelvis, softening the cervix, helping the baby to descend into the optimal position, and boosting your energy reserves.
Acupuncture can be helpful in bringing support and relief for the “minor discomforts” that some women may experience during late pregnancy, such as:
- Backache
- Constipation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Haemorrhoids
- Heartburn
- Anxiety
- Leg cramps
- Swelling
- Tiredness, lethargy or fatigue
Breech Babies
A baby will generally settle into a head down position by weeks 34-36 of pregnancy, however some babies stubbornly remain with their heads up – known as the breech position.‘Moxa’ is a herb used in Chinese Medicine as a safe and effective way to encourage the baby to turn, though it should not be used if you have a twin pregnancy, placenta previa, high blood pressure or any uterine bleeding.
Induction Or Onset Of Labour
Acupuncture is known to be effective in helping promote the onset of spontaneous labour. Specific points are used to help descend the baby into the pelvic area, to aid cervical dilation, to stimulate contractions and to help you keep calm.
Acupuncture is also helpful prior to a scheduled medical induction, as it can help the body to respond effectively to the medications used to induce labour.
Post Partum Care
In Chinese Medicine, rest is considered vital to replenish your energy and to give you and your new baby the time to bond. We suggest a treatment 6 weeks after birth. There are many changes happening in your body and acupuncture is helpful in regulating hormonal imbalances, minimising after pains, addressing any breast symptoms or bleeding complications, regulating temperature swings, and promoting healing.
Acupuncture can also address many of the complications that affect breastfeeding, including blocked ducts, pain, insufficient lactation, mastitis and overproduction. It is very important if your breastfeeding is not going smoothly to contact your midwife or obstetrician and seek expert advice.
