From the early weeks to the final ones acupuncture can be used to treat most problems arising from pregnancy as well as a nourishing treat.

Back and pelvic pain Digestive problems Headaches & migraines Insomnia Itching Nausea/vomiting Indigestion Palpitations. Relaxation / stress / anxiety / tiredness Carpal tunnel syndrome Breech turning Raised blood pressure and swelling (obstetric overview is essential) Induction of labour Bleeding Fibroid pain

Induction of labour should ideally start soon after the due date to give time for a course of treatment to maximise the chance of it being effective. It is never too late though to have a treatment as it can still have many benefits and may enable labour to start.
If your waters (SROM) have broken but you are not having contractions it can also be helpful.
If your obstetrician recommends earlier delivery because of pregnancy problems acupuncture may also benefit the situation and prepare your body for earlier delivery.
In some circumstances I will recommend liaison with your midwife/consultant.

This is a series of four treatments from 36 weeks to prepare you for the labour. Treatment is aimed at promoting optimal energy and preparing your body for the labour and birth. Also pregnant women deserve a chance to just enjoy the relaxation a treatment brings before baby arrives.


Previous birth problems and trauma can create a great deal of tension and anxiety in a future pregnancy. Treatment is aimed at guiding you through this pregnancy, reducing the effects of the memory and trying to enable you to achieve the birth of your choice this time around

Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the weeks after the birth as a very important time for treatment to regain and realign the energies. This ensures a complete recovery and is strongly recommended 2-6 weeks after birth. Most post natal problems respond to acupuncture treatment.

Pregnant women deserve a chance to just relax and enjoy a treatment, to take time out from the hectic schedule of having a new baby and have a time of deep relaxation.

Partners are often forgotten as the focus can be on mother and baby. They also may feel under stress and they too can benefit from time for just themselves to talk, relax and have a treatment.

Low cost pregnancy clinic?
This clinic is held in a room large enough to have several treatment couches in, and a small screen between them. As one person relaxes into their treatment another one starts theirs it is this that allows the costs to be reduced.
People using these clinics like the community atmosphere and sharing their experience, while the reduced cost makes it more affordable.

Who can attend these clinics?
The limitation of this system is that there is only a short time for consultation along with the reduced privacy. It is suitable for simple problems, follow up treatments, pre labour preparation and extra sessions. It is not suitable for Breech treatments and the first Induction of labour treatments.

What sort of things might be treated?
Most pregnancy related problems respond to acupuncture the following is a guide

• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Heartburn
  
• Constipation
  
• Headaches
  
• Muscular skeletal pain
  
• Energy boosts
  
• Insomnia
  
• Sinusitis
  
• Fibroid pain
  
• Relaxation
  
• Induction of labour subsequent treatments
  
• Pre birth treatment to prepare the body for labour.

I really believe acupuncture sorts out most pregnancy problems and it helps you stay healthier, also that preparation for labour treatments make a difference. Women deserve a time for themselves and to enjoy the relaxation. I want to make treatment more accessible both in cost and availability for pregnant women.
Clinic times
Monday afternoons Cost £25
Phone Holistic Health for your appointment.

The following web sites are well worth a visit:
www.acupuncture.rhizome.net.nzz
Debra Betts web site is full of useful information and print outs on pregnancy and fertility and I admire this acupuncturists work and texts.

www.acupuncture.org.uk
the British Acupuncture Council web site full of information on acupuncture and search a practitioner section.