From as long ago as the 6th century, Chinese medicine has had an association with treating fertility and pregnancy. Even though we now live in a very difficult culture, Chinese medicine has a place today in supporting conception, pregnancy and new mums to regain their strength
Difficulty conceiving can have a medical label or be ‘unexplained’. Being unable to start or increase a family can lead to great sadness and frustration. When Anne first came for acupuncture treatment, she was in shock. At 31, she had been diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure and was advised she needed egg donation and IVF. After 6 months of treatment she phoned to say she had conceived naturally. She now has beautiful twin girls.
Many couples need to turn to IVF as a way of achieving conception and pregnancy. The IVF process can be extremely stressful and acupuncture is great to help calm both partners throughout the process. Many women have greatly benefitted from treatments just before and after embryo transfer. Naturally anxious on the day of the embryo transfer, women feel relaxed and calm as they leave to have their embryo returned to the womb and prepared for the ‘two week wait’ before her pregnancy test
Women can be effectively supported through pregnancy, from calming fear of labour in the very early stages in pregnancy, through the landmarks of each trimester, to dealing with pregnancy related symptoms, such as sickness, back ache and pelvic pain. Preparation for labour from 37 to 42 weeks is very useful. For many couples this can be a time of fear with a lack of confidence that they can actually get through it. For others it is a time for hard decisions relating to birth choices. Understanding patient rights at this stage is very important.
Support can continue once you’re home with your baby. Women are at their most depleted after birth and acupuncture treatment can help rebuild spent energy and difficult breastfeeding.
If this article has raised issues for you or you simply want to know more about supporting conception and pregnancy with acupuncture, contact Body & Mind Therapy Centre on 01457 835491
by Linda Johnson
