ACUPUNCTURE AND PREGNANCY

 

 

 

 

 

ACUPUNCTURE AND PREGNANCY

 

 

Acupuncture is a safe, comfortable and cost effective treatment for many of the problems that commonly develop in pregnancy

 

 

 

 

Why should I get Acupuncture during Pregnancy?

 

Pregnancy is an exciting and wonderful time. However, with the many physical and hormonal changes that occur, it can also be a time of discomfort. Many pregnant women suffer from fatigue, nausea, backache and other conditions that are considered a "normal" part of pregnancy. Acupuncture is a safe, gentle and effective way to address these complaints, especially since many Western medications can't be used during this time.

Regular acupuncture during pregnancy sets the foundation for a healthy mother and baby. In addition, women who receive acupuncture during pregnancy often have a shorter and easier birth experience than women who don't receive acupuncture. Several European studies concluded that women who received acupuncture once a week during the last month of pregnancy had significantly shorter labor than women who did not receive any acupuncture.

House calls are available for pregnant patients who are on full or partial bed rest. House calls are also available for postpartum treatments. Postpartum patients are welcome to bring their baby with them for office appointments.

 

Pregnancy and Postpartum Conditions Treated

 

 

Acupuncture offers women a drug free treatment that can successfully be used to treat a wide range of pregnancy conditions such as.

 

 

·        Nausea and vomiting

·        Heartburn

·        Constipation

·        Varicose veins

·        Musculoskeletal conditions (back, neck and shoulder pain)

·        Fatigue and exhaustion

·        Anaemia

·        Insomnia

·        Anxiety and depression

·        Itching in pregnancy

·        Sinusitis

·        Pregnancy-induced hypertension (High blood pressure)

·        Oedema

·        Breech and posterior positioned babies

·        Induction

·        Pre-birth treatment to prepare the body for an efficient labour

·        Acupressure for pain relief during labour

·        Postpartum recovery

Is Acupuncture Safe during Pregnancy?

Yes. Prenatal acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help patients support a healthy pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery. An Australian study conducted by Adelaide University in 2002 found that acupuncture during pregnancy had no adverse effects and was completely safe when done by a trained acupuncturist. You may have heard that some acupuncture points are forbidden during pregnancy. This is true - certain points are to be avoided during pregnancy as they may stimulate uterine contractions. However, a practitioner trained in prenatal acupuncture will know which points can safely be used and which should be avoided.

 

Pre-Birth treatment

 

 

This involves a series of four treatments weekly from 36 or 37 weeks to prepare for labour. Points are used according a woman's constitution and pregnancy history. These include points to ripen the cervix, to help position the baby in the best presentation for labour and to promote optimal energy and stamina for women to enter into labor.

 

 

Data on 169 women was gathered by 14 midwives as part of their midwifery practice in Wellington, New Zealand. It found that when comparing all caregivers (Midwives GP's and Specialists) to those women who had received pre-birth acupuncture there was:

An overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for women having their first baby this was a 43% reduction)

A 31% reduction in the epidural rate.

When comparing midwifery only care to women receiving pre-birth acupuncture there was a:

32% reduction in emergency caesarean delivery

A 9 % increase in normal vaginal births.

There was no difference in the onset of early labour in those women receiving pre-birth acupuncture.

 

 

Self Help Acupressure

 

 

Acupressure can be used in between treatment sessions to alleviate symptoms such as nausea and back pain.

 

I also offer a free demonstration of acupressure to both Mammy and partner on points that can be used at the beginning of labour that will lessen the pain of the contractions.

 

 

 

 

General Treatment Plan for Pregnancy

 

Acupuncture during the first trimester focuses on setting the foundation for a healthy pregnancy. Treatments are given to prevent miscarriage and to address any early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue. At the end of the first trimester a special traditional treatment is given, using what is called the "beautiful baby point," to ensure a healthy baby. For optimum results, the recommended frequency of treatments during the first trimester is once a week.

Acupuncture during the second trimester aims to maintain balance and offer relief from many of the common complaints of pregnancy. At the end of the second trimester the traditional "beautiful baby" treatment is given again. The recommended frequency of treatments for the second trimester is evaluated for each individual. Patients may come one to two times per month if the pregnancy is uncomplicated and there are no complaints. If addressing a certain issue, patients may need to come more frequently.

Acupuncture during the third trimester prepares the body for labor and delivery. Pre- birth treatment is begun at 36 – 37 weeks to prepare for labour. Treatment is given for breech presentation between weeks 32-36. Treatment for labor induction can be given anytime after week 39 if there are no complications with the pregnancy.

During the third trimester, patients are encouraged to receive weekly treatments to ensure a smooth labor and delivery. Studies show that women who receive regular acupuncture during the third trimester typically have shorter and more productive labor.