Acupuncture for pregnancy in Bristol

I have undergone training for the treatment of pregnancy-related conditions with Debra Betts, a leading name in pregnancy acupuncture. I've also worked with Debra to produce a DVD, which will explain useful self-help techniques for pregnant women and their partners (available late 2010). Click here to read about my experiences in treating my wife during pregnancy and labour.

"I had a course of acupuncture with Tom during the late stages of my pregnancy, which provided me with relief from both the physical and emotional symptoms of being pregnant and allowed me to relax and enjoy my pregnancy. My labour was also very quick, which I believe was due to the effects of the treatments and my positive state of mind. I found Tom very professional and easy to talk to. I highly recommend Tom for anyone considering acupuncture during pregnancy."

A.C. - Bristol.

Acupuncture can be useful for the following pregnancy-related symptoms/conditions:*

Nausea & vomiting, heartburn, constipation, haemorrhoids, muscular aches and pains, fatigue, anaemia, insomnia, headaches, anxiety & depression, itching, oedema, breech & posterior position.

As well as treatment for the above, the following are available:

Pre-birth treatment (see below), induction acupuncture,** acupressure in labour (see below), and postnatal treatment (see below).

Research has shown that acupuncture and related techniques are helpful for a variety of pregnancy-related conditions. For example, a study published in the British Medical Journal concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for a variety of types of pelvic pain experienced in pregnancy (Elden et al., 2005). Amongst other positive studies are those by Smith et al. (2002) and Caradini et al. (1998) which draw positive conclusions about acupuncture in the treatment of morning sickness, and breech presentation respectively.

Routine pre-birth treatment
Using acupuncture from about 36 weeks of pregnancy can be an excellent way to prepare your body for labour. As well as tackling any health issues you may be facing such as heartburn or anxiety, these treatments aim to boost your energy, relax your mind and body, soften the cervix and encourage the optimal position of the baby for birth. Research and patient feedback has shown that pre-birth acupuncture commonly results in reduced labour duration, and a reduced rate of medical intervention (Kubista & Kucera 1974, Betts 2006).

Acupressure in labour
Simple but effective acupressure techniques can easily be taught to birth partners for use during labour. These techniques can help to reduce pain, promote relaxation, improve the baby's position, and encourage the natural progress of the birth. As an added bonus, the partner is empowered to become more actively involved in the process of labour.

'Mother warming'
This is a term given to post-natal 'recovery' treatment for the new mother. This is best administered 4 or 5 days after delivery, and involves the gentle warming of acupuncture points with a moxa stick (see the 'What to expect' page).

* Although many women have found acupuncture to be helpful for all conditions mentioned on this page, scientific evidence for effectiveness is not available in all cases.

** Induction treatments only available after expected due date, and with the knowledge of your midwife.