Acupuncture, Fertility and Pregnancy

Natural Fertility
IVF Support
Morning Sickness
Sore back and hips
Sciatic pain
General Relaxation
Natural Labour Induction
Post-Partum support

Fertility & IVF Support

The fertility journey can be a stressful one whether you are trying to conceive naturally or leaning towards Assisted Reproductive Therapies such as IVF. How can acupuncture help?

Initially, it may help to reduce any stress or inflammation that may be interfering with conception or implantation. However, it can also aid in regulating hormones and the menstrual cycle, improving blood flow to the lining of the uterus and the ovaries, as well as potentially help prevent early miscarriage.

Anthea has had over 10 years experience working with women on this journey and is happy to work as part of your team to help get the best possible results. For natural conception up to 10-12 weekly and/or fortnightly sessions are normally recommended. However, short bursts of support around IVF cycles are also common and are generally tailored to work in with your individual protocol.

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Early Stages of Pregnancy

During the first few weeks of pregnancy acupuncture can be very beneficial - it has a known immuno-regulatory effect which may reduce any risk of rejection and increases blood flow to nourish the micro-circulation of the uterus and the developing placenta.

Weekly treatments at this stage can also reduce any anxiety or stress and provide support to the mother. In addition, it can offer some relief from the symptoms that typically beset the first trimester:

Morning sickness
Fatigue
Sore lower back
Cramping or spotting

Second & Third Trimesters

From week 13 onward the baby starts growing larger and stronger as it's organs develop and he or she will start moving around. Symptoms from the first trimester, such as nausea or headache often start to subside. In Chinese medicine this is the phase where the mother is full of qi (energy/oxygen) and blood and is usually a time to be enjoyed. However, any discomforts that do arise can often benefit from minor dietary changes, massage or acupuncture:

Headaches
Heartburn and constipation
Varicose veins
Stress and anxiety
Sore hips and back/sciatic pain
Pubic symphysis pain

Natural Labour Induction

The use of acupuncture in pregnancy and to induce labour has a long history in China. Typically, (with approval from your medical doctor), acupuncture treatments as a general preparation for birth can be started from 37 weeks. If close to the 40 week due date then this may be switched to a full labour induction treatment.

Acupuncture for labour induction is a relaxing treatment and clinical trials have shown that it can:

Stimulate the body's circulation
Ease physical and mental tension
Reduce the duration of delivery
Strengthen uterine contractions
Decrease the amount of oxytocin given during delivery
Extend the length of uterine contractions and shorten the intermittent periods of contraction

The number of treatments required to induce labour with acupuncture varies depending on the individual but take, on average, 2-3 sessions. The full effect of a treatment generally takes effect from four to twenty four hours after an acupuncture treatment.

Post Partum

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the time immediately following birth is crucial for both the mother and baby. Nourishment and replenishment are imperative to offset any fatigue or trauma incurred during the birthing process, and acupuncture can be very effective for postpartum conditions such as:

Urine retention
Pelvic pain
Anxiety
Insufficient lactation