Looking after you and your bump
Pregnancy
My journey with you doesn’t end at a positive pregnancy test! Supporting fertility is not just about boosting the ability to conceive, it’s also about nurturing a safe and comfortable pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby.
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Acupuncture is safe throughout pregnancy, and can provide relief for a range of common conditions, such as:
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Morning sickness
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Anxiety
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Tiredness
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Threatened miscarriage and bleeding
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Sinusitis/rhinitis
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Anaemia
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Insomnia
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Swollen feet
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Carpal tunnel
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Tiredness
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Migraine and headaches
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High or low blood pressure
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Body aches and pains, such as backache, sciatica, carpal tunnel, pelvic and groin pain
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Blocked or runny nose
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Tender breasts
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Digestive issues, such as constipation, haemorrhoids, reflux and heartburn
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Threatened miscarriage and bleeding
My experience has shown me that whilst inevitable miscarriages due to chromosomal abnormalities cannot be prevented, acupuncture can support the health and constitution of the mother to help stabilise pregnancies and reduce the chance of a threatened miscarriage.
Breech babies
Studies into the use of moxibustion (using a herb called moxa to gently warm acupuncture points on the body) have shown promising results for the turning of breech babies. The best results are seen when this technique is used at around week 36, while the baby is still small enough to turn.
Inducing labour
Working closely and with the consent of my patient’s obstetrics team and midwife, I often use acupuncture to help induce labour in overdue pregnancies. Sometimes this can take effect quickly overnight, but often takes a couple of treatments or a few days.
Preparing for labour
The prospect of labour can make mothers-to-be anxious and intimidated, especially the first time. Acupuncture can work wonders to help women relax in preparation for giving birth, and maintain that relaxation to help labour progress smoothly. Research has also shown that acupuncture can reduce the time women spend in labour, and the level of medical intervention required.
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I have 20 years’ experience working with women before, during and after their pregnancies, and have taken a number post-graduate courses with specialists in this field, including Debra Betts, Jayne Littletonand Dr Trevor Wing. I always take special care to collaborate with midwives and doctors to deliver the very best care, avoiding acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy, and keeping the number of needles to a minimum.
"Our baby girl arrived as quick as a flash at the birth centre after a very short five hour labour from start to finish, and I am sure the acupuncture I had with you through the pregnancy made the difference!"
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