Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when you may want to avoid taking medication and try something more natural to help with your health and vitality. At Bristol Acupuncture Practice we are experienced in treating women during pregnancy. Common problems we see are:

• Morning sickness
• Anxiety and Stress
• Pelvic pain
• Tiredness
• Constipation
• Migraine and other headaches
• Back ache
• Pelvic pain (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)
• Breech babies

Based on the best available research, The British Acupuncture Council says “In pregnant women, acupuncture may help to relieve pain (e.g. back pain, labour pain), improve mood and reduce anxiety, alleviate dyspepsia, and turn a fetus who is breech”

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is fairly common in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It can range from mildly unpleasant nausea, to frequent vomiting at any time of day. Acupuncture has been used for morning sickness by women in China for hundreds of years. Tried and tested, acupuncture for morning sickness is very safe, and can be very calming.

Tiredness

Another common symptom that you may experience when you are pregnant is being more tired than usual. This is understandable as your body is going through many changes and is creating a new life. Acupuncture can help by increasing vitality, helping you relax and aiding sleep.

Breech Babies

This unlikely sounding treatment has in fact been the subject of repeated trials and has a been shown to have a good success rate. We often use a one off treatment and then give you written instructions for a partner or friend to treat you at home (no needles involved). Treatment is done every day for 5 days, then the position is checked by a midwife. If the baby has not turned it can be repeated for another 5 days. The best time to have this done is at 34 weeks.

Preparation for Birth

From 37 weeks you can have ‘pre-birth’ treatments. Click Here

Safety

Acupuncture has a long history of use during pregnancy and is very safe. The British Acupuncture Council state:

“Acupuncture is very safe to have during pregnancy and is an effective option at a time when many women choose to avoid taking medicine for minor ailments.”

Research

Debra Betts: http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/Handouts-Research.aspx

British Acupuncture Council: http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/a-to-z-of-conditions/a-to-z-of-conditions/obstetrics.html