Pregnancy

Is Acupuncture safe during Pregnancy?

Yes, acupuncture is generally a safe method of treatment during pregnancy. It can be effective to support women with symptoms that occur during pregnancy, and it can also be used to maintain good health for mum and baby.

When to use Acupuncture in Pregnancy?

Acupuncture can be used for many conditions during pregnancy. Here are a few common conditions we treat in our clinic:

  • Morning sickness/nausea: morning sickness usually appears during the early signs of pregnancy. It ranges from mild nausea to frequent vomiting for some patients. Most cases it lasts for 3 months however some cases may go on for the rest of the pregnancy. In Chinese medicine, morning sickness can be a result of pre-existing problems in the women’s digestive system. Acupuncture and herbs are administered to help relieve symptoms and balance the digestive system.
  • Muscle pain:  pain in the lower back, ribs, pelvic girdle along with sciatica and pubic symphysis are all common in pregnancy and can be markedly reduced with acupuncture. Acupuncture provides an important alternative treatment option because many common prescription drugs and over the counter analgesics are not recommended during pregnancy (1).
  • Breech and Posterior Babies: Research has shown moxibustion can have a significant effect on women to turn the baby (2).  Patients can start treatments from as early as 33 weeks. The patient is sent home with a moxa stick and a manual on how to continue their treatment at home. This allows for effective results as the uterus is being stimulated daily. Acupunture techniques can also help babies that are not in the optimal position prior to birth, such as those in a posterior position.
  • Hypertension: Acupuncture can have an important role in assisting to reduce high blood pressure, especially if treatment is commenced early when hypertension is first noted. The effectiveness of acupuncture will be reflected in the improved blood pressure readings and blood tests used by midwives and specialists to detect possible complications. As hypertension has the potential to escalate quickly, ongoing medical monitoring remains essential throughout pregnancy.
  • Labour Preparation: 3-4 weeks prior to the due date we start treatments to prepare the pelvis and cervix for labour.  This is followed by one treatment per week until labour begins. A New Zealand study with midwives (3) indicated women required less medical intervention, including medical induction and caesarean section, when having acupuncture treatments prior to labour. Induction Acupuncture can provide a gentle inducement to labour if the baby is overdue and can be an effective alternative to a medical induction.
  • Pain relief during Labour: Acupuncture offers drug free alternatives for pain relief during labour (4) Acupressure provides similar results (5) with the advantage that support people can use it during labour.