Acupuncture is a safe, drug free alternative to treating pregnancy related conditions. Some of these conditions may be considered ‘normal’ to pregnancy, however can be debilitating. If a pregnancy symptom starts to affect your normal day to day activities or there is a general sense of not feeling ‘right’, then it is time to seek help.
Common conditions acupuncture and assist during pregnancy
- Morning Sickness (Nausea / Vomiting)
- Musculoskeletal (incl. sciatica, Pubic Symphysis)
- Threatened Miscarriage / Miscarriage
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Varicose Veins, haemorrhoids and vulva varicosities
- Itching
- Sinusitis
- Hypertension (Elevated blood pressure)
- Small babies (growth compromised)
- Oedema / Swelling
- Urinary Tract infections
- Constipation
- Heart Burn / reflux
- Emotional (stress, anxiety and depression)
Acupuncture and Moxibustion treatment for breech or malposition presenting babies. Acupuncture (and moxibustion) is renowned for treating breech or malposition presenting babies. The treatment program (including a take home treatment package) ideally starts at 34 weeks but can be successful at 38/39 weeks. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15280133.
Pre-Birth Treatments Acupuncture is commonly being used to promote an efficient labour. Treatments are usually weekly from 37 weeks and are known as pre-birth treatments. These treatments offer women a proactive and relaxing treatment option as they near the end of their pregnancy. During these appointments, advice on partner involvement during labour is also offered. This involves teaching acupressure techniques to the mum, dad or support partner.
Post natal complications Unfortunately pregnancy and labour can deplete your energy reserves and come with complications. Acupuncture can assist and treat a variety of these conditions including fatigue, night sweats, mastitis, lactation difficulties and post natal depression. Acupuncturists, together with your GP, early childhood nurses and other professionals, can assist, so that you can continue to enjoy your baby.
FAQ: Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy? Yes, acupuncture is safe during pregnancy. All registered practitioners are trained to treat pregnant women. Treating women during their pregnancies is both rewarding and successful. There are acupuncture points that are not recommended to be used during pregnancy. These are known as contraindicated or forbidden points. In practice these points are either located on the lower abdomen (increasing higher as the pregnancy progresses), lumbo-sacral area or points that induce labour. All fully trained acupuncturists are aware of these points.