Acupuncture can also be used for the discomfort that people think of as unavoidable
symptoms of ‘normal’ pregnancy to be endured. While acupuncture is viewed by many as an ‘alternative’ medicine, it’s use in pregnancy is widespread in certain countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland and New Zealand.
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The following list details the conditions that acupuncture has been used for in a clinical setting;

• Miscarriage

• Threatened miscarriage

• Early pregnancy supportive care

• Nausea and vomiting (read more about nausea in pregnancy and acupuncture here)

• Constipation and hemorrhoids

• Varicose veins and vulval varicosities

• Headaches and migraines

• Musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, pelvic and hip pain

• Fatigue and exhaustion

• Anxiety and depression

• Itching in pregnancy

• Hypertension disorders including Pregnancy-induced hypertension

• Breech and posterior positioned babies

• Preparation for a medical Induction

• Prebirth acupuncture to prepare the body for an efficient labour

• Postpartum recovery

PreBirth treatment: This involves a series of four treatments weekly from 36 or 37 weeks to prepare for labour. Points are used according a woman’s constition and pregnancy history. This may include points used to assit in ripening the cervix, positioning the baby in the best presintation for labour and to promote optimal energy and stamina for women. For further infomation on research involving prebirth acupuncture click here
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Breech babies are ideally treated between 34 – 36 weeks gestation. This is often a one off treatment with women being shown how to contiune treatment at home with a moxa stick (a herb that has been shaped into a cigar like stick). The moxa stick is lit and held over specific places in the body to stimulate the acupuncture points. For further information on research into using moxa therapy to treat breech presentations click here
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Research and Acupuncture in Pregnancy