Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment throughout pregnancy.

In the early part of the pregnancy you may experience morning sickness. This usually passes by the second trimester, however, while it lasts it can often be very debilitating. Acupuncture is perhaps the most well known for the treatment of nausea and vomiting and is very effective. In addtion, dietary advice, if appropriate concerning what and when to eat also plays an important role in treatment.

Later on in the pregnancy you may experience other symptoms, such as heartburn and indigestion, pelvic pain or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), carpal tunnel syndrome, cramps, headaches, lethargy, fatigue, oedema and high / low blood pressure. All of which can be effectively and safely treated with acupuncture.

Please remember just because these are common symptoms and part of being pregnant it does not mean there is nothing that can be done which may help to improve your wellbeing during pregnancy.

Moxibustion and Breech Presentation

Within Chinese Medicine a herb called moxibustion is used very effectively (studies show upto 80%) to turn breech babies. Moxibustion is a fragrant herb which is lit and then held over an acupuncture point. This in turn relaxes the muscles in the uterus allowing the baby to turn. The best results are often gained before week 36/37 as there is still room for the baby to move inside the womb.

Usually only one treatment is required, in which the acupuncturist will teach you how to use the moxibustion. You will then be given a moxa stick to take home to continue the process at home.

Moxibustion is a completely safe and very gentle way of attempting to turn babies.

A UK study found in favour for moxibustion in breech presentation, stating that "moxibustion creates a better chance of vaginal birth for expectant mothers" . Midwifery, 21 October, 2009

Case Studies

Michelle 35 was advised to try acupuncture by her GP after being told she had SPD. She was in week 20 of her pregnancy when she came to me. The SPD was debilitating, so much so that in the mornings she found it very difficult to get out of bed, she was in extreme pain and found it impossible to walk, although this improved as the day went on. This was her second pregnancy and although she suffered from SPD in her first pregnancy, she was surprise to be suffering earlier on in this pregnancy. After one treatment her pain drastically reduced, she was able to get out the bed in the mornings and she was no longer debilitated by the pain.