Pregnancy Support - Conception to Postpartum
Acupuncture is an ideal form of treatment during all stages of pregnancy as it offers safe and drug-free relief from many of the health issues which can arise during pregnancy and childbirth. It is important to remember that being pregnant and the bodily changes associated with it, are a normal physiological process. Changes occur due to a number of factors, for example, hormonal changes, increases in blood volume, weight gain, and increases in the fetus size.
Emotional, physiological, and mental health issues arising out of pregnancy can be supported with acupuncture.
Some of the common conditions for which pregnant women seek acupuncture treatment are:
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Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness including Hyperemesis Gravidarum)
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Constipation
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Heartburn
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Varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and vulval varicosities
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Headaches and migraines
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Musculoskeletal conditions (including back pain, sciatica, pelvic, hip pain)
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Fatigue and exhaustion
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Anxiety and depression (research here)
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Itching
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Pregnancy-induced hypertension
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Prebirth acupuncture prepares the body for an efficient labour
How can acupuncture support pregnancy?
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Acupuncture in the later stages of pregnancy (from 35 weeks onwards, weekly sessions until birth) is a good time to have treatment. Treatment can help prepare the mother to give birth with a specific focus on preparing the cervix and pelvis for labour. Treatment will also assist with specific medical conditions (such as pregnancy-induced hypertension or heartburn), help boost energy reserves and help with the mother's emotional health.
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In 2004, a study led by Dr Debra Betts (a midwife and leading maternity acupuncture expert) looked into the effect of pre-birth acupuncture, given by midwives to 169 women. The results showed an overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for women having their first baby this was a 43% reduction) and a 31% reduction in the epidural rate. When comparing midwifery only care there was a 32% reduction in emergency caesarean delivery and a 9 % increase in normal vaginal births. You can read more about the research regarding the use of acupuncture during labour here.
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Pre-birth treatment is also a good time to focus on labour and to discuss the use of acupressure points in labour, for pain relief. If you are seeing me for pre-birth acupuncture, I am happy to go through the acupressure points with you and your partner, free of charge. Or, you can book a stand alone session with me. We can also discuss post birth 'Mother Warming' treatments during this session. Acupressure for pain relief was devised by Dr Betts and can be accessed here. I had the privilege of training with Dr Betts in 2005, during one of her rare study tours to the UK.
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Breech presentation is present in around 3-4% of pre-term pregnancies. It is expected that by weeks 34 to 36 most babies will settle head down (vertex or cephalic) within the maternal pelvis. Breech presentation babies are ideally treated at 34 to 36 weeks. Chinese medicine uses a particular technique to help babies turn to cephalic (head first), when there are no contraindications, by stimulating the acupoint Zhiyin (Bladder 67), which is located at the tip of the fifth toe. This can be done through both the insertion of needles and the technique of Moxibustion. Moxibustion is the practice of burning the herb Mugwort, which is often referred to as Moxa. Following your initial treatment, I will show you how to use a Moxa stick, and give you one to take home, so that you can continue the treatment at home, for 10 consecutive days.
Induction
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Induction specific acupuncture can begin from 41 weeks. All acupuncturists require the pregnancy to be normal and the midwife or doctor to have sanctioned the use of acupuncture before agreeing to treat a mother for induction.
Prebirth Acupuncture Treatment
The use of acupuncture during labour has been shown to reduce the intensity of pain and limit the use of other types of pain relief, including epidurals. It is therefore particularly suitable for women who wish to avoid more invasive forms of pain relief.
Equally, women who receive acupuncture in labour appear to experience a shorter overall labour and reduced rate of instrumental delivery.” (Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)”
It's time to change our ways, to pick up the threads of knowledge that we forgot and weave them into a new kind of fabric to hold the mother. We must do it for ourselves and for our children, because the way women become mothers profoundly affects the way their children awaken to this world”
Heng Ou
Postpartum Support
Chinese and Eastern cultures have a long history of caring for new mums postpartum. They call it ‘the golden month’ and this refers to the first 40 days after the mother has given birth. Nourishing food, nurturing, rest, and support is important during this time to ensure that the new mum recovers and builds up her strength post-birth, to be able to bond and care for her baby.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the postnatal period as pivotal in women’s health: if the postpartum mother is well cared for and allowed plenty of rest, this will safeguard her future health. Unfortunately, today in the Western world, many of us do not have the familial and social networks needed to take full rest during the golden month.
TCM provides support and nourishment to the new mother through acupuncture, diet, and the use of herbs. Acupuncture treatment during this time focuses on replenishing the mother’s depleted Qi and blood and warming the body.
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Acupuncture can be used to treat the following, postnatally:
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Persistent uterine bleeding
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Night sweats
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Perineal discomfort
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Insufficient lactation
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Mastitis
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Postnatal depression
During our postnatal appointments, I will also give you dietary advice to emphasis foods and herbs which build Qi and blood. For example, ginger, sesame seeds, and spinach. Also, warm foods and soups are considered to be particularly nourishing, over cold foods. Dietary and lifestyle advice will be specific to you, with regard to your diagnosis and personal circumstances.
Mother Warming
Mother warming is a useful one-off treatment given around day 4 to 5, post birth. I can offer this treatment in your own home. It is a simple but effective treatment where a moxa stick is used to tonify the blood and Qi. The mother (or preferably her partner) can also be shown how to use a moxa stick to warm some of the acupuncture points in the lower abdomen.