Acupuncture During Pregnancy, Labour and Childbirth
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Acupuncture is attractive to many women who are unable or unwilling to take medication for many of the common pregnancy complaints due to potential harmful side effects to the baby. Tara can combine acupuncture treatment with a pregnancy massage.
Acupuncture for First Trimester Pregnancy Acupuncture is extremely effective for both morning sickness and exhaustion, two very common pregnancy complaints in the first trimester. Tara will show you some points to use at home and can also give you some tiny ear seeds which are safe for use to at home in between treatments. Acupuncture can also treat threatened miscarriage, bleeding in early pregnancy, and heartburn and constipation at any stage. Acupuncture for Second and Third Trimester Pregnancy Acupuncture is very effective at alleviating many common pregnancy complaints, including varicose veins, haemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, pain, SPD, sciatica, insomnia, depression and anxiety, itching, oedema, and sinusitis. If you book a pregnancy acupuncture treatment with Tara, she will often combine acupuncture with massage in the same treatment. For example when Tara treats a patient with sciatica, she may also give a back massage whilst the needles are in. Acupuncture During Third Trimester Pregnancy Acupuncture for Turning Breech Babies Acupuncture is extremely effective at turning breach babies [link]. It is best to come week 34-36 for a first pregnancy, or as soon as you suspect your baby is breach. Please rest assured that if you are unsure about your baby´s position acupuncture will not cause your baby to turn back, but will encourage them to get in the optimal foetal position. Tara will show you how to use a burning herb called moxa on a point on your little toe, and be given some to use at home. |
Acupuncture for Cervical Ripening
It is a really good idea to help your body prepare for labour by starting prebirth acupuncture and cervical ripening treatment at around 35 weeks. There has been a lot of research which shows that it can really help your labour be shorter and more effective, with less chance of needing a medical induction and therefore increasing your chance of a natural labour. Tara offers some pregnancy packages which include 4 prebirth acupuncture treatments as well as two induction procedures and one postnatal home visit. All of these can be combined with massage. Acupuncture Induction Acupuncture works with your body's own system to ripen and soften the cervix and start labour. It is not the same as a medical induction and will not start your labour early unless your baby is ready, but if you are nearly there it will give you a good push in the right direction. Inductions with acupuncture are more effective if you have had cervical ripening points from week 35, but still work if you have not. Some women begin contractions while they are on the couch, some go into labour that night, and some women might need to come back for more than one appointment (usually not more than 3 times). Inductions with acupuncture can be done from week 40, and use a combination of points that are not used at any other time during your pregnancy as they have a strong descending action and connect directly to the uterus and cervix. Tara can also add other constitutional points to treat any other conditions you may have such as anxiety, insomnia, SPD or stress. Tara will also give you a handout with points to massage during labour and show you acupressure points to use between treatments and during labour. If you come before 40 weeks it is safe to start cervical ripening from week 35. Induction can also be combined with a pregnancy massage. Tara also offers postnatal treatments and also treats babies and children |