Acupuncture and Pregnancy
Acupuncture may be used during pregnancy. It is important to go to an Acupuncturist who is registered, and preferably one with some experience of treating during pregnancy.
Nausea and vomiting
Acupuncture may be used to aide both the severity and incidence of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy [results will vary from woman to woman and there is never any guarantee that it will work for you].
Muscular-skeletal pain
Back pain, rib pain, sciatica can be common in the later stages of pregnancy and maybe reduced with acupuncture [results will vary from woman to woman and there is never any guarantee that it will work for you]. Back pain in early pregnancy can be due to other causes and should be thoroughly checked by a midwife or GP before starting acupuncture treatment.
Breech babies
Gentle acupuncture techniques may be used to help babies that are not in the optimal position prior to birth, such as those in a posterior presentation. Ideally treatment is at 34 – 35 weeks, but it can still be applied when used later in the pregnancy. Needles do not need to be placed nor techniques used on the abdomen. Results will vary from woman to woman and there is never any guarantee.
Labour preparation (pre-birth treatment)Three weeks before the due date a treatment to *prepare the pelvis and cervix. This is followed by one treatment per week until labour starts. Reports from New Zealand midwives indicate the potential for a more efficient active stage of labour and a reduction in women requiring medical intervention.
Induction
Acupuncture may be used to provide a gentle inducement to labour if the baby is overdue. This is often done with recommendation from midwife [results will vary from woman to woman and there is never any guarantee].
Pain relief during labourA free booklet on using acupressure during labour can be a http://acupuncture.rhizome.net .nz/acupressure/download.aspx
Below is a brief list of conditions where acupuncture may be useful; results will vary from person to person and there is no guarantee that it will work for you. The Acupuncturist may suggest to try a set amount of treatments to see if acupuncture may assist with your condition. This set amount will vary depending on the condition and the experience of the Acupuncturist.
Contact your Acupuncturist to ask if they can work with other conditions not listed below.
Morning sickness – Sciatica – Anxiety – Constipation – Carpal tunnel syndrome
Heartburn, indigestion – Headaches and sinus problems
Tiredness and exhaustion – Thrush – Postnatal care (nourishment)
Breast feeding difficulties – and more…