Acupuncture for Pregnancy
Acupuncture is especially beneficial in treating the mother and baby’s health throughout the entire pregnancy, either through natural conception or through IVF. Pregnancy is an amazing and wonderful time for many women, but others may suffer through their pregnancy.
First trimester
During the first trimester, some women experience severe morning sickness from usually 5-12 weeks which includes nausea and vomiting. Other women may have stress due to spotting or bleeding or even threatened miscarriages. Australian statistics report that 1 in 4 women may suffer a miscarriage within the first 12 weeks, it can also be as high as 50% because of many unreported cases.
Please download this pdf for a suggested list of possible Miscarriage Prevention Tips.
Miscarriages are more prevalent in the following women:
- Smokers
- Women over 40 years old
- Obese overweight women (twice as likely to have a miscarriage as a woman of healthy weight. There is twice the risk that her baby will not survive.)
- Those with poor lifestyles (even the partners of the women)
- Poor sperm quality
Second trimester
In the second trimester, some women may be suffering from constipation This is a common occurrence, however, extra fibre, adequate food and water intake, exercise, acupuncture and herbal medicine will significantly help it.
Mothers with gestational diabetes will also benefit from acupuncture, diet advice and exercise. As well as those who suffering from low back pain, reflux, headaches, varicose veins and high blood pressure.
Stress and anxiety during pregnancy can impact the baby’s immunity. Acupuncture is able to help reduce stress hormones and bring a sense of relaxation for both mother and baby.
Third trimester
During the third trimester, low back pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel, cramps in the legs, fluid retention can cause discomfort for some women. Whilst these symptoms are better after the delivery, during the last few weeks, acupuncture may help with relieving these symptoms without the need for medications.
From 35 weeks onwards, weekly acupuncture appointments will help provide maximum support for you during this time before the birth of your child.
Using acupuncture and moxibustion, we may also be able to reverse a baby in the breech position during 32-35 weeks of pregnancy. The use of moxibustion applied to the little toe for difficult labour was first mentioned in the Moxibustion Methods for Emergencies by Wenren Qinian in 1226. In Chinese hospitals this technique has been used to treat breech presentations for decades, however the research to date, although promising, is not yet sufficient as a proven method to be incorporated into clinical practice guidelines for obstetricians in Australia.
Our main goal is to support you during your entire pregnancy, cared for and provide advice to you throughout this important time.
Post Partum
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine may be helpful to assist with post-partum recuperation for the mother.
Eli Huang has two children of her own and knows what it is like to go through pregnancy and is here to help you on your own exciting journey of pregnancy.
Contact Eli to make an appointment at either the Sydney CBD or Fairfield Clinic.
