Pregnancy acupuncture may be sought by people:
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.
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine have been used during 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 may be used as part of supportive care during pregnancy and preparation for labour and birth.
In this short video, acupuncturist Olivia Sizeland from Fertile Ground Health Group explains why certain acupuncture points are traditionally avoided earlier in pregnancy and how acupuncture treatment approaches may change across the different stages of pregnancy.
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.
Dr Tara Hanaphy shares how acupuncture may be experienced around embryo transfer during IVF and in early pregnancy as part of an individualised fertility care plan.
The first trimester can be a time of significant physical and emotional adjustment. Acupuncture during early pregnancy is tailored to your presentation and stage of pregnancy, and may be included within a supportive care approach.
For those who have conceived through IVF, treatment timing and frequency are discussed in the context of your medical plan.
During this first trimester we focus on supporting the many common experiences of early pregnancy (such as nausea, vomiting and anxiety) while optimising your health and wellbeing, moderating stress and applying supportive care approaches specific to early pregnancy.
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 may support optimal fetal positioning while helping you feel physically and emotionally prepared for labour.
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 may support the body’s natural preparation for labour and birth, including the physiological changes that occur in the uterus and cervix as the body approaches labour.
Some people seek acupuncture support when their baby is in a breech or posterior position. Treatment is usually considered between 34 and 37 weeks and is tailored to your individual presentation and stage of pregnancy.
As your due date approaches, it’s natural to begin thinking about labour and how your body will move into it. Some people seek acupuncture support when they are approaching or past their due date, as part of feeling more prepared and supported in the final weeks of pregnancy.
Treatment at this stage focuses on supporting the body as it transitions toward labour and is always tailored to your individual presentation, comfort and stage of pregnancy.
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.
Pregnancy acupuncture at Fertile Ground Health Group may be experienced on its own or alongside other supportive pregnancy and fertility services, including:
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.
Up to 85% of people experience some vomiting and/or nausea in pregnancy, ranging from mild morning sickness in the first trimester to severe vomiting at any time of the day, sometimes lasting until birth. Symptoms include food aversions, smell sensitivities and digestive upsets (bloating, diarrhoea or constipation).
Download this free guide to find out how to naturally alleviate nausea in pregnancy.
