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| I do not live in the Vancouver area. How do I find someone who practices Chinese medicine and acupuncture in my area whose focus is treating pregnant women? |
| A referral from a friend who has been successfully treated by a Practitioner of Chinese Medicine and acupuncture for pregnancy related condition is an excellent means. A referral from another health professional that is familiar and confident with the practitioner's work with prenatal and postpartum care is also an excellent way to find someone. So ask your friends or health professional if they know of someone they could recommend who has expertise in these areas. |
| Is acupuncture safe to have during pregnancy? Can it harm the baby? |
| It is safe to have acupuncture during pregnancy. It is vital, however, that you go to a registered acupuncturist, and that you choose an acupuncturist who has a lot of experience in treating pregnant women. Ask your midwife, doula or physician if they know of a practitioner that they are comfortable recommending with experience treating pregnant women. |
| How can acupuncture help in pregnancy? |
| Acupuncture can alleviate many of the conditions experienced during pregnancy which are often considered "par for the course", and for which effective remedy is rarely offered. There are no "contra-indications" for acupuncture, as there are with so many of the medications that you might normally use outside pregnancy. As long as your practitioner is familiar with treating pregnant women and knows the points to avoid during pregnancy then it is very safe. |
| What conditions can acupuncture help alleviate during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy? |
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| What conditions can acupuncture help alleviate during weeks 12 - 28 of pregnancy? |
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| What conditions can acupuncture help alleviate during weeks 28 - 40 of pregnancy? |
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| Does it hurt and how often would I need treatment? |
| Depending on the severity, 1 to 3 treatments weekly until the symptoms are resolved or at least manageable. Usually 4 to 6 sterile disposable needles are used along with acu-tonics to stimulate additional points if required. The sensation you should feel is nothing to a dull ache. |
| I have heard that moxibustion can be used to turn breech babies. It this true and how is it carried out? |
Yes, this is true. here is more and more research being done on the use of moxibustion to turn breech babies. It has been used for centuries in China and currently research using a small sample of mothers has shown it to be effective. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BE GUIDED BY YOUR MIDWIFE or PHYSICIAN AND INFORM HER/HIM IF YOU ARE USING ACUPUNCTURE TO TURN YOUR BABY.
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| Can acupuncture be used for induction of labour? |
| Acupuncture can be safely used to induce your baby, but it is advisable only when you have reached your due date and not before. It appears to be most effective seven to ten days after this date. Needles are usually placed in the hands, feet and lower back and manipulated for stimulation. Research has shown that treatment can be effective from as soon as 3 hours and up to 60 hours after treatment. The success rate is good, but it does depend on many factors and should only be considered if you have had a healthy pregnancy with no complications. |
| Can acupuncture be used during labour? |
| Yes, acupuncture can be used during labour for pain relief and also to help boost energy levels. |
| What conditions can acupuncture and Chinese medicine help with after delivery? |
Acupuncture can help to restore the mother's energy levels after the stress of the birth, and can help with
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| Should I inform my doctor or midwife that I am having acupuncture? |
| Yes, it is always sensible to tell your primary care physician what treatments you are receiving. |
Pregnancy Related Conditions
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