Acupuncture can be useful during all the stages of pregnancy and is safe to have throughout.
Congratulations!
Congratulations on your pregnancy. It can be an incredibly exciting time for parents to be, but can be a little overwhelming at times too. Some mums-to-be sail through pregnancy without any ailments, but some experience morning sickness or aches and pains during their journey.
Acupuncture can be useful during all the stages of pregnancy and is safe to have throughout. The main focus of acupuncture during this stage is to regulate and enhance the body’s hormones, boost energy levels, increase blood circulation to the uterus and reproductive organs and reduce stress.
Many conditions that can arise during pregnancy and I have personally seen women with issues ranging from aches and pains, to heartburn and anaemia. Acupuncture can help to relieve these less fun symptoms of pregnancy and support relaxation and wellbeing.
How many treatments should I have?
Treatments once a month are usually enough, increasing the regularity as you approach your due date. If you are able to come in more regularly then you are more likely to notice the benefits and feelings of improved wellbeing. If you are unable to come in regularly I recommend coming for treatments at three key times during your pregnancy - 12 weeks, 20 weeks and 36 weeks.
Early Stages
In the early stages, if you are experiencing morning sickness for example, you may need to come weekly for a short time. We would also discuss and encourage healthy diet and nutrition, which is so important from the second trimester.
36 Weeks Onwards
Acupuncture on a weekly basis from 36 weeks onwards will be used to help to prepare your body for labour. Points will be used to help with cervical dilation and to relax ligaments, all in order to make the delivery easier and of course to help deal with any anxiety. Occasionally a treatment is given at week 40 and if the baby decides they are a bit too comfy, then we can do induction treatments from your due date to encourage their arrival.
Helping Your Baby to Find a Good Position
If the position of the baby becomes an issue, acupuncture can be extremely effective in encouraging the head down and anterior presentation. Breech babies can be turned with as little as one acupuncture session; however, they can be very wriggly and you may need a few sessions to get them to stay put!
Posterior facing babies can also be encouraged to get into the correct position. Treatment for malposition can be given from 34 weeks - however many women do not discover the baby is lying incorrectly until 36. It is still possible to turn your baby up to 39 weeks, although the nearer the due date the more tricky this can become.