Support Your Pregnancy
Acupuncture provides effective support for mother and baby throughout pregnancy. Below is a general summary of how acupuncture can be used to support you and your baby throughout the different stages.
1st trimester (Up to 12 week scan)
Once a positive pregnancy test has been done acupuncture is recommended every week to two weeks, until 12 weeks, to reduce the chances of miscarriage and to ensure good blood quality and circulation for you and your baby. It supports you physically, mentally and emotionally and, as a result, is especially useful to counteract any effects of stress or worry.
Second and third trimesters
Between 12 and 36 weeks acupuncture is recommended every four weeks. Treatment helps to maintain good circulation and to keep your system balanced. If during this period any other pregnancy related symptoms develop then the frequency of treatment is altered according to their nature.
From 36 weeks
For the last few weeks, treatment is advised weekly. The baby is ready and your body is preparing for childbirth. These pre-birth treatments help prepare you and your baby for labour and beyond.
Specific points are chosen depending on your constitution and pregnancy history. These include points to ripen the cervix, to soften the tendons and ligaments, to help optimize the baby’s position and to build your stamina.
At this stage I advise you to come in with your birthing partner and I will demonstrate a collection of acupressure points that are useful before and during labour.
40 weeks +
As well as helping prepare you and your baby for labour and beyond, treatment is designed to induce labour. Points are used that directly stimulate the sacral plexus – a collection of nerves directly involved with labour.
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