Pregnancy

The following conditions can be helped by acupuncture

• morning sickness
• threatened miscarriage
• tiredness/exhaustion
• haemorrhoids
• backache/sciatica
• varicose veins
• symphysis pubis pain
• heartburn
• anxiety/stress/emotions related to hormonal swing
• itching associated with obstetric cholestasis
• oedema
• premature labour
• pregnancy induced hypertension
• carpel tunnel syndrome

Research has shown acupuncture to be successful in rates of up to 80% in turning babies who are in breech position. Success is most likely between 32 and 35 weeks, although babies have been turned as late as 38 weeks. Treatment involves warming a point on both little toes with a moxa stick. Treatment is continued at home, preferably twice a day for 10 treatments.

Preparation for labour

Weekly acupuncture treatments in the last 5-6 weeks of pregnancy can be helpful in preparing woman physically and emotionally for labour.

Induction of labour

If a woman is overdue or early induction advised, acupuncture can initiate a more gentle onset to labour and can be an effective alternative to a medical induction. It can also be used to aid medical induction or where medical induction has failed.

Treating at the onset of labour can help support the system as a whole.