MM Acupuncture
happy birth
The
Pregnancy, birth and the early weeks of being a parent are highly likely to blow your mind. That’s why TV presenter, Beverley Turner, decided to write ‘The Happy Birth Book’ – to give new mums a spring in their step. Here, Beverley talks about her experience with acupuncture.
Although I used to be a bit sceptical about the benefits of this ancient Chinese practice during pregnancy, having seen many women try it with incredible results, and on my midwife Pam Wilde’s insistence, I included an acupuncturist, Gordana Petrovic, in our antenatal care team. Gordana has worked wonders for thousands of women, but she
recognises that acupuncture is not a miracle treatment. It can be a powerful means of natural induction but is best used throughout pregnancy to get the full benefits. Some NHS hospitals now offer acupuncture as a means of getting labour started, so don’t be afraid to ask if yours does. Here’s Gordana’s expert insight into why acupuncture might be useful to you…
Why use acupuncture during pregnancy? It works. Acupuncture is a part of the Chinese medicine model practised in the East for over 4000 years. It is safe throughout pregnancy, provided you choose a qualified and properly trained acupuncturist with further training in reproductive and obstetric medicine to administer your treatment. Studies confirm its efficacy in pregnancy, especially in the preparation of labour and
12 Modernmum
as an option for pain relief in labour. It is used on site across hospitals in New Zealand, Europe and the UK.
What to expect in your first acupuncture session Acupuncture works best when an individualised approach to treatment is taken. During your initial booking appointment you should expect a very thorough medical history to be taken. Your pulse rates on both of your wrists should be assessed and you may be asked to show your tongue. This enables your constitution to be assessed according to Chinese medicine – this is the energetic state of your body and mind. The best plan for you should then be prescribed, and should take into account your age, previous medical history, general health, dietary requirements and lifestyle to maximise your chances of a smooth, pain-free pregnancy and a timely, natural delivery. I would usually suggest weekly treatments during the first and
third trimester and more spread-out treatments during the second trimester; however, if this is not possible for whatever reason, adjustments are made to fit your schedule. Ask your practitioner if they are able to offer flexibility as part of their clinical work.
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