Pregnancy

For many, just knowing they are ready to read the information on this page is a huge relief. It hopefully means they have successfully conceived on their own unique fertility journey.

Our Approach to Pregnancy Support

During pregnancy, we offer support using acupuncture, naturopathy, nutrition, and herbal medicine. Our objectives are:

Minimising Miscarriage Risk: We work to minimise the likelihood of miscarriage.
Managing Morning Sickness: We give tips, treatments, and herbs to support with morning sickness.
Addressing Complications: We strive to reduce the risk of conditions such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and other pregnancy-related complications.
Supporting Overall Health for Mother and Baby: The health of mother and baby during pregnancy has an influence of the health of the baby (and the mother!) post birth.
Preparing for Labour: Our services also encompass comprehensive preparation for labor, which we’ll delve into further below.

As an overall guide, we recommend acupuncture during pregnancy:

However, your practitioner will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Pregnancy is a remarkable transformation where the mother’s body redirects nutrients towards the growing foetus. Nutritional elements that were once essential to your own health are now funnelled to nurture your developing baby. For instance, zinc is critical around day 27/28 of pregnancy, and, as you may have been informed by your doctor, folate is crucial for the proper closure of the neural tube, thus preventing conditions like spina bifida.

Therefore, for the health of both the mother and the child, optimal diet and nutritional status are crucial.

Labour Preparation and Induction

Traditionally, acupuncture has been employed for labor preparation and induction. Our recommendations include:

While further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of acupuncture for labour support, at least one study suggests that women who received acupuncture in the weeks leading up to their due date were less likely to require a medical induction. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is thought to aid cervix relaxation and support uterine readiness for labor.

In addition to acupuncture, herbal medicine can play a role in labour preparation. Specific herbs gently tone uterine muscles, support the nervous system, and enhance overall blood circulation. These herbs, known to be safe during pregnancy, are often introduced from week 38 onwards.

Remarkably, certain foods have demonstrated the potential to promote a healthy labor experience. Our naturopaths / nutrition experts can guide you in selecting the right herbs and foods tailored to your individual needs.