Acupuncture can be safely used during pregnancy (there are some contraindications and cautions, which are screened for). As for massage, your doctor’s permission is required. As with pregnancy massage, you will either be seated or lying on your side with pillows for comfort.
It is used for various reasons, including musculoskeletal, but also for other symptoms that may arise, as well as for relaxation. And it is often used from weeks 36/37 as a weekly pre-birth treatment, to prepare for labour.
A ‘less is more’ approach is usually best, so I prefer to give massage mostly during pregnancy (from the second trimester onwards) if there are no particular issues, to promote relaxation and wellbeing. But where acupuncture is deemed necessary, usually the number of needles inserted is minimal.
Postpartum, acupuncture can be used to help physical recovery, as well as to help rebalance emotions and energy levels.
Yes, acupuncture can be safely used during pregnancy when carried out by a qualified practitioner. Catherine prefers to do this from the first trimester onwards, and she screens for any contraindications or cautions before treatment. Your doctor’s permission is also required before beginning a course of treatment.
You will either be seated or lying on your side, supported with pillows for comfort — the same approach used for pregnancy massage.
Pregnancy acupuncture can be used for a range of reasons, including musculoskeletal issues such as back and pelvic pain, other symptoms that arise during pregnancy such as nausea, breech babies (with moxa), and general relaxation and wellbeing.
From around weeks 36 to 37, acupuncture is commonly used as a weekly treatment to help prepare the body for labour. This is one of the most popular uses of acupuncture in late pregnancy. It can also be good for overdue babies.
No — Catherine takes a ‘less is more’ approach during pregnancy. Where possible, she prefers to do pregnancy massage (very relaxing) if there are no particular issues, and to reserve acupuncture for situations where it is specifically needed. When acupuncture is used, the number of needles is kept to a minimum.
Catherine generally favours massage over acupuncture in the earlier stages (from the first trimester) unless there is a specific reason to use acupuncture. For pre-birth preparation, weekly acupuncture is typically recommended from weeks 36 or 37. If you are unsure what is most appropriate for your stage of pregnancy, get in touch before booking.
Yes. Postpartum acupuncture (particularly with moxa) can support physical recovery after birth, as well as helping to rebalance emotions and restore energy levels during the postnatal period.