Acupuncture and pregnancy

Are you struggling with your pregnancy, physically, emotionally and/or mentally?

Do you have morning sickness, nausea or breast tenderness?

Or maybe you are experiencing back ache, leg cramps or having difficulty sleeping?

Do you have heartburn, constipation or other digestive issues?

A safe option during pregnancy

Acupuncture is very safe to have during pregnancy and is an effective option at a time when many women choose to avoid taking medicine and want their pregnancy to be as natural as possible. It is essential that you choose an acupuncturist who is trained and a member of a professional body such as the British Acupuncture Council.

Supporting mums-to-be during all stages of pregnancy

There is no greater privilege than treating a pregnant mum-to-be and then meeting their new baby. I have worked with many different patients through different stages of their pregnancies and anecdotally, patients who have regular treatment throughout their pregnancy seem to report fewer pregnancy symptoms, positive birth experiences, fewer interventions, calmer babies and better breastfeeding.

Acupuncture to turn breech babies

While the majority of breech babies turn spontaneously before birth, the longer a baby stays in the breech position with conditions becoming more cramped, the less likely it will be able to turn on its own volition.

An adjunct technique to acupuncture called moxibustion (Moxa) has been used for many centuries to turn breech babies. I use Moxa on a regular basis and it is an effective, safe, non-invasive treatment for women to consider during pregnancy should they wish to attempt to turn their baby naturally and avoid restricting their birthing options.

According to traditional chinese medicine (TCM) theory, moxa has a tonifying and warming effect which promotes movement and activity. The nature of heat is also rising. This warming and raising effect helps to encourage the baby to become more active and lift its bottom up to gain adequate momentum to summersault into the head down position.

Please note: this information is for general advice only and women should check with their midwife before attempting to use moxibustion treatment to turn their baby to ensure that no contraindications apply.

After the birth

I love meeting my patient’s new babies and providing them with a space to rest and recover after giving birth. My aim is to help to increase your energy levels, promote healing and to combat the ‘baby blues’. Acupuncture may be helpful in increasing milk production, treating mastitis and any aches and pains that you might have, especially if you had any interventions during the birth of your child.