PREGNANCY — Lucy's Acupuncture

Acupuncture for pregnancy

For over 3,000 years Chinese Medicine has promoted specialised treatments for pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal recovery. Acupuncture and the principals of Chinese Medicine are ideal for pregnant and breastfeeding women as they offer drug free and safe relief from a multitude of conditions, as well as working well alongside Western Medicine.

Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular and is now often used by midwives and physiotherapists as well as acupuncturists during pregnancy. Lucy works with women throughout their pregnancies to optimise health, as well as dealing with problems as they occur.

Lucy is also a member of MAMPS, a specialised training programme for acupuncturists in maternity care.

What can Lucy help with?

the ten stages of pregnancy

According to Chinese Medicine, pregnancy takes place over 10 lunar months. During each of these months it is important to nourish the mother and the baby in specific ways, which can be supported by acupuncture.

breech and posterior babies

Moxibustion in conjunction with acupuncture is used to help to turn breech babies. Ideally treatment is at 34-35 weeks but it can still be successful later in the pregnancy. These techniques can also be helpful when babies are in the posterior position and also to support successful ECV’s.

labour preparation and cervix ripening

From 36 weeks it is beneficial for weekly acupuncture treatments to prepare the pelvis and ripen the cervix for labour. Research has shown that this can increase the potential for a more efficient active stage of labour, as well as reducing the likelihood for medical interventions.

pain releif for labour

The use of acupuncture ahead of labour can help promote more efficient and less painful labour. Acupressure during labour has also been seen to reduce epidural and caesarean section rates. Lucy can provide acupressure tutorial sessions for birthing couples.

induction

Acupuncture is used to facilitate natural labour through addressing issues such as cervical ripening, the baby’s position and the mother’s health, not by encouraging contractions. It is recommended that an acupuncture induction is performed 3 to 4 days prior to a medical induction (in order to avoid it). An acupuncture induction involves a holistic assessment that goes beyond just stimulating contractions.

anxiety

Many women experience anxiety for the first-time during pregnancy and it can often become worse as pregnancy progresses. Anxiety can often be a major factor of delayed labour. There are a number of causes for anxiety but often can be due to blocked energy in the chest. Acupuncture and tui-na help to release and smooth this energy, often bringing fast acting relief.

Muscular skeletal pain

Back pain, rib pain, sciatica and symphysis pubis pain are some common complaints that often worsen as pregnancy progresses. Acupuncture, cupping and tui-na can provide meaningful reduction to pain.

nausea and hyperemesis

“Morning sickness” and hyperemesis can be crippling during pregnancy and can stop women from being able to go about their daily lives. Acupuncture can alleviate symptoms, and in many cases eliminate it completely.