Support during pregnancy
Acupuncture offers a safe and effective support at all stages of pregnancy, for labour preparation, labour induction and for recovery afterwards. It is an excellent alternative for women who are unable to take their usual prescription medication during pregnancy. Treatments during pregnancy are carefully implemented to ensure highest quality of care and least invasion.
Acupuncture can help for the following conditions and in the following ways:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Urinary tract infections
- Insomnia
- Itching
- Oedema
- Breech and posterior positions
- Birth preparation
- Induction
- Assistance in labour
How often?
Whilst pregnancy is a completely natural state to be in, it is also considered to be a very special time in a woman’s life. Therefore additional support is offered during this phase. Amongst other things, acupuncture helps to safeguard the Bao Mai (uterus), calm the mind and regulate Qi and Blood.
Recommended treatment schedule during pregnancy:
1st Trimester: weekly treatments until the pregnancy is established
2nd Trimester: To be discussed on an individual basis
Breech presentation: Treatment from week 34
3rd Trimester: To be discussed on an individual basis. See below for birth preparation treatments.
Birth prep from 37 weeks. I highly recommend these treatments for all mothers-to-be. Not only is it a time to voice hopes and fears, exploring strategies to help mitigate concerns that may be present. I will also work by using points to help to ripen the cervix, soften the ligaments, draw energy downwards, support the Kidneys, tonify the mother-to-be, so she is well resourced for the rigours of birth, breastfeeding and motherhood!
4th Trimester: I offer ongoing post-natal care to the mother during this time of adjustment. Post-birth complications such as afterpains, night sweats, breast-feeding problems and depression can be helped with acupuncture, wise guidance, care and dietary advise
For immediate post birth support, a technique using moxibustion, known as ‘mother warming’ can be used on day 4 or 5 after birth to energise the woman and aid recovery.
Contact me if you have any further questions.
Testimonial
I suffered with 24/7 pregnancy nausea during my first trimester, and had heard that acupuncture could help. There are plenty of acupuncturists in Brighton & Hove, many of whom specialise in pregnancy issues. But something drew me to Eloise especially; and while I can’t explain what that was exactly, my spidey senses were spot on. Aside from her unquestionable knowledge and skill (yes, she has the power and finesse to make needles feel like a massage!), Eloise is gifted with a warmth and nurturing gentleness. I enjoyed several days of very welcome relief from intense nausea following my sessions, and loved hanging out – albeit full of pins – with Eloise during the therapy. I can’t recommend her and her needle magic highly enough.
Plum Phillips