Pregnancy Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a safe and relatively cheap solution to many of the disorders found in pregnancy. Acupuncture is seen as an ideal form of treatment, offering drug free relief for conditions such as:

– Morning sickness 

– Sciatica 

– Pubis symphysis pain 

– Fatigue 

– Stress and anxiety

Assisting with these conditions can not only improve a women’s quality of life but also prevent them from becoming serious enough to need medical treatment.

Along with assisting with certain ailments common in pregnancy, acupuncture has been shown to be effectively used for correcting breech and posterior positions, for labour preparation assisting with cervical ripening and for a more efficient labour.

Morning sickness

Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for morning sickness and is often very effective through it may need to be repeated frequently (sometimes daily) in very extreme cases. Otherwise the recommended twice a week can effectively help in managing these symptoms. 

Medical researchers have experimented with applying pressure to the point PC 6, on women experiencing morning sickness which showed a significant reduction of nausea compared to placebo. Acupuncture aims to strengthen and regulate the stomach by using specific points along a channel or meridian. 

Fatigue or Anaemia

Fatigue is common in early pregnancy and many women report Acupuncture to help them cope with these symptoms. In later pregnancy is fatigue is persistent, Acupuncture along with moxa, dietary measures or iron supplementation will improve energy. 

Optimal Position 

Ideally by 34 weeks a baby is in the cephalic position, meaning head down. Acupuncture has been shown to benefit the position of the baby when it is not in ideal alignment for delivery (breech or posterior position). If there are no physical impediments (such as fibroids or placental position) the treatment is simple and often needs to be repeated 5 times, which can be performed by the patient. Studies have shown when Acupuncture and moxa are commenced at week 34 there is a 75-82% success rate in correcting breech and posterior baby positions. ADD in some details of research (who and what) 

Pre-birth Acupuncture / Start of labour 

Research has shown that a series of pre-birth acupuncture sessions can enhance the prospects of an efficient labour or kickstart labour where it is slow to establish. Acupuncture and acupressure can have a great impact on reducing the intensity of contractions felt in labour. 

Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce the amount of medical interventions such as inductions, instrumental delivery, and caesarean sections. Midwives have also found acupuncture has a positive impact on pregnancy-induced hypertension and posterior presentation. 

Pre-birth acupuncture can prepare the body for labour and help to reduce any stress or angst. The recommended amount of sessions is once per week from week 35, and twice a week from week 38. 

For women who are scheduled for a medical induction or have premature rupture of membranes, acupuncture can help to soften and relax muscles and redounds and encourage the start of labour. 

Pain: Back pain, pubic symphysis pain, sciatica 

Musculoskeletal problems and pain is common in pregnancy due to the effects of relaxin on the ligaments, along with the growing foetus which can place extra stress on joints and muscles. 

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective at reducing and diminishing the discomfort causes by pubic symphysis pain. It may also prevent the condition from worsening if treated when it initially presents. 

A study by Elden et al (2005) showed that compared to standard physiotherapy and specialised physiotherapy exercises, acupuncture was the treatment of choice for patients with unilateral sacroiliac pain, unilateral SIJ pain combined with symphysis pubis pain and bilateral sacroiliac pain. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and upper back pain and leg cramps are other musculoskeletal conditions treated effectively by Acupuncture. 

Stress/ Anxiety 

There are many reasons we may feel stressed or anxious. Particularly if the joinery to pregnancy was a lengthy or complicated one. Stress during pregnancy can impact the bodys immune system, along with the babys immune system. Acupuncture reduces stress hormones allowing for a sense of relaxation. 

Varicose veins are commonly experienced in pregnancy and come become quite painful. Acupuncture can not cure the condition but help manage symptoms. 

Heartburn is common in later stages of pregnancy and will resolve when the baby moves lower in the pelvis. In the meantime Acupuncture and dietary advice can help manage symptoms.

---