Acupuncture treatment during pregnancy benefits both mother and baby due to certain organ systems developing with each trimester. Babies may be influenced by what is known as "maternal toxins," resulting in more frequent childhood illness, a tendency for skin problems such as nappy rash and eczema.
Acupuncture Programme during Pregnancy
The First Trimester (0-12 weeks)
Acupuncture is recommended on a weekly basis in the initial stages of pregnancy to enhance the health of the mother, prevent complications and influence the development of the baby. There may be symptoms of nausea/morning sickness, feelings of anxiety/stress, tiredness/extreme fatigue and it can help if there is any history of miscarriage. Acupuncture can help to relieve symptoms and also support the pregnancy to prevent miscarriage.
The Second Trimester (13-28 weeks)
Acupuncture is recommended on a fortnightly or monthly basis depending on you needs during this trimester.
The Second Trimester can bring a sense of well-being and usually symptoms of nausea subside. Some women however still continue to experience nausea, constipation, tiredness, bleeding gums
The Third Trimester (29-40 weeks)
Acupuncture is particularly useful if there is a breech presentation of the baby. A straightforward teqhnique can be shown to the patient involving moxibustion
Moxibustion is a technique used in acupuncture in which a stick or cone of a burning herb called mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris), is placed over an acupuncture point on the body. The cone is placed on an acupuncture point and burned. The purpose is to stimulate and strengthen the blood and the life force, or qi, of the body.
