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During pregnancy, there are many issues and complaints that can be helped by having acupuncture treatments. But is it safe?

The answer is yes! The amount of research is vast, and the health benefits are numerous. The list is long, but some include; morning sickness with nausea and vomiting, general care including fatigue and exhaustion, pain, anxiety and depression, headaches and migraines, gestational carpal tunnel syndrome, and habitual and threatened miscarriage.

Morning sickness affects a high percentage of women in the early weeks and in some cases, lasts throughout the entire pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum can have a serious effect on an expectant mother and may result in hospitalisation. Research shows that acupuncture and acupressure along with dietary advice can provide a real improvement in alleviating these symptoms.

Pain can be common during pregnancy and can make what is such a joyous time potentially unbearable. Acupuncture is great for musculoskeletal complaints including back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Anxiety and depression are problems that affect so many of us during our lives, but it can be especially hard to manage during pregnancy. There is a huge amount of worry and stress that can manifest and because, so many women are hesitant to take medication, the extra strain can take its toll.

Insomnia during pregnancy can be a real problem for some expectant mothers. Not being able to get comfortable, needing to urinate during the night, nausea and heartburn/indigestion can all cause sleep problems. Acupuncture can provide support for these issues to help get that much needed rest.
Unfortunately, the data shows that the number of pregnancies ending in miscarriage is around 30%. Acupuncture care when trying to conceive should be considered to help strengthen any weakness or any disorders that could possibly lead to a miscarriage. This is especially important if miscarriages have occurred before, including habitual miscarriage or recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM). During the pregnancy, acupuncture treatments can also potentially help with a threatened miscarriage.

And probably the most well-known use of acupuncture during pregnancy – to turn a breech baby. This involves the burning of moxa sticks near an acupuncture point on each foot. This technique is commonly used with midwives as well as acupuncturists during the final weeks of pregnancy.
Preparing the body for labour and the birth is so important. Pre-birth acupuncture treatments are a fantastic way to help the body get ready for labour including ripening the cervix, positioning the baby and building up mum’s energy.

In the UK, pregnant women are considered to be full term at 40 weeks. Research again shows that acupuncture can have remarkable success in inducing a natural labour. It is also quite common for an acupuncturist to provide support alongside medical intervention when inducing labour.

And lastly, post-partum recovery shouldn’t be overlooked! It happens so frequently that the attention on ourselves can lapse as our focus turns so quickly to that of our new baby (or babies). Acupuncture can be so beneficial to aid recovery from the labour and birth, promote lactation, restore blood loss and to strengthen the body after a life changing event.