Acupuncture for Pregnancy
The liminal space.
No other stage of adult life brings the psychological, social and physical change as deep and rapid as the transition into motherhood. It is one of the most profound changes you will ever go through and whilst some changes are visible, many are hidden. Women hold so much, often silently. As an acupuncturist I am drawn to the work of providing full spectrum care, throughout preconception, pregnancy and into postpartum. There is something so powerful in providing this continuity of care throughout one of life’s biggest transitions.
Pregnancy particularly is such a unique time during which the demands on the body are so high and you are being stretched, in every possible way. This is such a valuable time to care for both your body and your babies. The first 1000 days refers to the foundational period from conception to a child’s second birthday during which the most significant physical, emotional and cognitive development occurs. This period lays the groundwork for your child’s lifelong health. Your health, physically and psychologically throughout your pregnancy plays a huge role in this. It is a true passion of mine to support pregnancy with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, not only for your benefit and the easing of pregnancy symptoms, but also for your babies lifelong health.
The demands on the body during pregnancy can see a lot of symptoms emerge which regular acupuncture can help to both prevent and manage, whether its nausea, morning sickness, reflux, fatigue, pain, insomnia or you are experiencing the more debilitating symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum. Acupuncture is also such a beautiful tool to support emotional wellbeing and nervous system regulation during what can feel like a very heightened time.
Frequency of Treatments
Early Pregnancy
In most pregnancies I recommend weekly acupuncture for the first 12-14 weeks, this is to help in establishing a strong pregnancy and support the most critical period of growth and development for your baby. If you have previously experienced early pregnancy loss or recurrent miscarriage it is even more essential to receive regular treatments during this period. The first trimester is also a time when you may notice nausea, morning sickness, fatigue and insomnia can arise, these can all be supported with acupuncture.
Second Trimester
For some the second trimester can provide a bit of relief from these early pregnancy symptoms so if all is going well I recommend continuing with monthly treatments for maintenance or to book in as the need arises. If any pregnancy symptoms continue or you experience hyperemesis gravidarum continuing weekly sessions can be incredibly supportive.
Third Trimester
From around 36 weeks I recommend weekly treatments to prepare yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually for labour, for the potent and liminal space that birth is. Birth preparation acupuncture and bodywork can help to encourage cervical ripening, support optimal fetal positioning and calm the nervous system.
Whilst I believe that baby decides their own timing always if you are nearing your due date or have passed it acupuncture can gently encourage the body to prepare for labour. Generally, from full term I will recommend to increase treatments to twice a week though will continue to treat based on your presentation.
If your baby is breech or posterior, I will also incorporate a course of moxibustion and spinning babies exercises to support optimal fetal positioning. This form of moxibustion is something I demonstrate and encourage you to continue at home, twenty minutes daily for 10 days to support your baby to turn. Birth partners are encouraged to attend this appointment so they can support you with this care at home.
Throughout pregnancy I also provide support for nutrition and supplementation as well as navigating birthing choices, birth planning and postpartum preparation.
Shen Space offers acupuncture packages for pregnancy and postpartum to make these treatments more accessible.