Expectant mothers are likely to encounter unwanted side effects of pregnancy at some stage, most of the time these are inconsequential, but sometimes they deeply affect quality of life and when that happens there is very little you can do, Dr’s are reluctant to prescribe unless symptoms are severe.
Below are some of the most common problems expectant mothers might seek help for.
- Anemia
- Anxiety / Depression
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Insomnia
- Pregnancy induced hypertension
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Musculoskeletal
- Oedema
- Urinary tract infection
- Varicose Veins, Haemorrhoids
- Tiredness
The topics below have some specific pieces of information you should be aware of;
-
Nausea & Vomiting
It is thought roughly half of all pregnancies will be accompanied by some nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture can help to alleviate nausea, reduce the severity and frequency of vomiting.
Depending on how severe the symptoms are one or two sessions per week will be needed early on, appointments will then be extended according to how the symptoms improve.
General Advice:
Avoid dehydration (sip in small amounts if unable to tolerate large glasses)
Soups are an excellent way to take in fluids are very nutritious and easy to prepare; potato being particularly bland is often more easily tolerated, you could also try won ton, vegetable or chicken broth
Consume small regular snacks instead of the standard 3 meals per day
Plan your eating times so you eat before the point at which you start to feel hungry
- Induction
Acupuncture induction should be arranged as close to 40 weeks as possible unless advised differently. Before 38 weeks consent needs to be obtained from your midwife, GP or consultant.
Generally one or two sessions will be required it is advisable to book the first appointment 3 days prior to hospital admission, if you are able to arrange for a stretch and sweep with your midwife before-hand so much the better. By arranging the appointment three days prior it still leaves time to squeeze another session in if necessary.
Ideally it would be beneficial if you are able to bring your partner or someone else who can observe some simple basic acupressure techniques to enhance the effectiveness of the session.
- Breech Presentation
Breech and other incorrect fetal presentations are corrected through the application of a Chinese herb known as ‘moxa’ applied to an acupuncture point on the little toe; the fetus is encouraged to return to the correct position in readiness for birth.
The baby puts on most of its weight in the last few weeks of pregnancy the ideal time for applying this treatment would be around 34 weeks. It is not always possible to do this and babies can often change position quite late into term, it is never too later to seek assistance but it is better to address this early on if at all possible.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- When seeking a practitioner look for membership to the British Acupuncture Council (www.acupuncture.org.uk) as this ensures standards of training, hygiene procedures and professional conduct
- Inductions before 38 weeks will require consent from your midwife
- Please inform your midwife, GP or consultant that you are having acupuncture
- There may be times when it is necessary to write to your medical carer in which case consent will be obtained beforehand and copies of any such communication will be provided