Women have been using acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal remedies are part of their pregnancy for centuries! Acupuncture in particular has been shown to be very safe when applied by experienced practitioners. The main benefit most women (and their doctors) enjoy about acupuncture is that there is nothing to be taken (ingested) as part of treatment. This is especially useful for women experiencing symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea. Acupuncture has been shown to be highly effective in alleviating these symptoms.
During pregnancy it is important to consult with practitioners who are highly experienced in caring for the special needs and limitations of pregnant women. Our practitioners see pregnant women as part of their daily practice at Fertile Ground Health Group, so you can be confident your practitioner is an expert, with training and experience in supporting women in pregnancy. Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be used with great success to support a healthy pregnancy and prepare your body for labour, birth and mothering.
Acupuncture has been used to treat a range of conditions for centuries. Many people seek out acupuncture in order to treat pain. However, more and more people see the benefits of acupuncture for overall wellness. This includes issues expecting mothers may experience during pregnancy. There is a small but steadily growing body of evidence suggesting benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy for:
At Fertile Ground Health Group, our skilled practitioners are experts in their field. Our team is able to help you, as well as your baby, in a variety of different ways.
Women have been using acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal remedies are part of their pregnancy for centuries! The main benefit most women (and their doctors) enjoy about acupuncture is that there is nothing to be taken (ingested) as part of treatment. This is especially useful for women experiencing symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea. Acupuncture has been shown to be highly effective in alleviating these symptoms and research has found acupuncture is safe during pregnancy (Moon H-Y, 2020).
It is important to consult with practitioners who are highly experienced when seeking acupuncture during pregnancy. Our practitioners see pregnant women as part of their daily practice at Fertile Ground Health Group so you can be confident your practitioner is an expert with training and experience in supporting women in pregnancy and understand the special needs and limitations of this time. Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be used with great success to support a healthy pregnancy and prepare your body for labour, birth and mothering.
Once your pregnancy is confirmed we usually recommend weekly visits with your acupuncturist – particularly if you have any history of difficulty in conceiving, miscarriage, bleeding, cramping other issues in early pregnancy. Chinese herbal medicine may also be administered during this time, but not always. You may choose not to take herbs if you wish.
During this first trimester we will focus on treating the many common complaints of early pregnancy (nausea, vomiting, anxiety, etc.) while optimising your health and wellbeing, moderating stress and applying measures for miscarriage prevention.
During the second trimester appointments are often less frequent unless issues arise which require treatment. Four to six weekly visits are usually adequate when the pregnancy is progressing normally and well.
Around 30-34 weeks is a great time to check in with your acupuncturist / herbalist if you haven’t already. At this time we are starting a conversation about preparing for labour. Weekly visits, from around 34 weeks, ensure optimal fetal positioning and a weekly focus on helping to move you closer to being ready to achieve a spontaneous labour and uncomplicated birth.
Birth preparation during this time includes weekly consultations with your acupuncturist to help you prepare physically and emotionally for birth, manage stress and improve your energy and stamina. Acupuncture also assists in preparing your cervix and uterus for birth, and helping your labour to start spontaneously and on time.
Our acupuncturists have great success in turning malpositioned or breech babies. This is most effective if the treatment is undertaken between 34 and 37 weeks. The earlier you begin, the greater likelihood of success.
Research shows acupuncture is often successful in inducing labour if you are overdue for your dates. Induction acupuncture provides an alternative step to medical induction and can help to ripen the cervix and minimise the possibility of interventions. Induction with acupuncture still enables a slow build up to contractions, not suddenly starting intense contractions, therefore optimising your chances of an uncomplicated labour and natural birth. The relaxation effects of acupuncture are also helpful at this stage and treatment will help you get in the right frame of mind, ready for labour.
Our acupuncturists can teach you and your partner how to use acupressure points during labour. Check out our blog post for our Top Tips To Get Your Labour Started!
We also use Chinese herbal medicine to support expecting and new mothers and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the herbal medicines we recommend and why. If you do not wish to use Chinese medicine during pregnancy, that is completely fine — the choice is entirely up to you.
At Fertile Ground Health Group, we offer a wide range of services focusing on preconception care for everyone with particular expertise in working with infertility, pregnancy care, birth preparation and labour support, postnatal and baby health, and health in pregnancy.
Whatever your needs, our highly skilled team of practitioners at Fertile Ground Health Group are dedicated to helping you achieve the best results you can. If you are wondering whether you can do acupuncture during your pregnancy, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We would love to discuss your needs and find out how we can help you.