For Women | Pregnancy and Childbirth

Acupuncture in pregnancy is a safe and effective alternative therapy to promote a natural labour. It can be used throughout the pregnancy, helping with nausea and sickness in the 1st trimester, managing pain, discomfort and SPD (pelvic pain) during the 2nd trimester and in helping to prepare the body for labour in the 3rd trimester.

For many years acupuncture prior to labour has been confined to helping women who have experienced problems in previous pregnancies and who were seeking a subsequent more natural delivery. But following research this is now being extended to supporting all women. This is accepted practice in hospitals in Germany and is being used as an alternative therapy more and more in the UK.

Confirmed midwifery feedback shows that pre-birth acupuncture has clinically relevant benefits that include:

Reduction in medical induction rates

Reduction in women receiving epidurals

Reduction in emergency caesarean sections

Increase in normal vaginal birth

Kate has over 10 years experience working specifically with acupuncture in pregnancy. As well as offering the specific pre-birth treatment at weeks 37, 38 and 39, Kate is able to tailor the treatment to deal with any other concerns that may be present prior to labour. Acupuncture is particularly helpful for any sleep disturbances or any anxiety.

Acupuncture in pregnancy treatments include:

1st and 2nd Trimester

Nausea, sickness and hyperemesis

Constipation

Anxiety and depression

Insomnia and fatigue

Musculoskeletal conditions including backache and pelvic pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

3rd Trimester and specifically pre-birth (36-40 weeks):

Preparing the pelvis and cervix for labour (4 sessions)

Turning breech babies

Natural induction of labour

Minor discomforts of late pregnancy (which can seem major!) such as heartburn, constipation, anxiety and sleeping difficulties

© Kate Henley 1997 - 2009