Expert Advice : Sigyta Hart, Acupuncturist
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Sigyta is an experienced acupuncture practictioner, with a particular interest in helping women concieve and stay pregnant. She has studied widely in Hong Kong and in the UK. |
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"Acupuncture is one of the few treatments available to a woman that offers a completely drug free and natural approach, enabling her to maintain good health and wellbeing throughout her life!" Acupuncture for Common Problems in Pregnancy Acupuncture can be used to help all these problems in pregnancy (who knew there were so many! - Leigh) Morning Sickness Heartburn Migranes and Headaches Insomnia Pelvic Pain/Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) Back Pain and Sciatica Constipation Varicose Vains Urinary Tract Infections Anemia Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Interuterine Growth Retardation Pregnancy Indiced Hypertension Breech Baby/Back to Back Position (from 34-35 weeks) Prepartion for Labour (from 36 weeks) Induction Mastitis and Let Down for Milk Lactation Restoration of Energy after the Birth Postnatal Depression Miscarriage Morning Sickness and HeartBurn Acupuncture has been found to be one of the few ways to support women effectively through this time. A well known acupunture point (Pericardium 6) can be used (sea bands work on the same point). This point normalises the wave form of the stomach which has it's own rhythm. Once the rythym is re-established the morning sikness ends. Sickness and vomiting is normally due to the changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels. Pericardium 6 can be used with other acupuncture points according to your symptoms to help settle this early problem in pregnancy in just a few closely timed treatments (every other day). These should provide a good start to smoothing out the problem and restoring your energy levels. Migranes and Headaches These can often accompany morning sickness and a treatmetn aimed at balancing out hormones is often very helpsul, rather than just treating the headache as you normally would. Insomnia Insomnia that was present before pregnancy can worsen during pregnancy. But hormonal chnages as well as physical changes of early and late pregnancy can contribute to poor sleep. Don't forget that emotions that occur during pregnancy can also contribute to insomnia. Acupuncture will gently get you back into a more even balanced sleep pattern and will treat according to your particular pattern of signs and symptoms. Lower Back Pain and Sciatica These conditons can be effectively treated by acupuncture. Often a lot of inflammation is present because pregnant women are always hotter than others. Acyupuncture can remove inflammation reaaly weel and often women need very few treaments to have a big effect on their pain levels. I'm always amazed that only 2 treatements can clear the problem for some time. You can have your next treatment for the pain when it recurrs. Other muscloskeletal conditions presenting in pregnancy include rib pain, upper back and neck pain, carpal tunnel, leg cramps and shoulder pain - all of which can be treated using acupuncture. Be aware that back pain may be due to kidney stones, early miscarriage or even labour- do speak to your GP or midwife immediately if you have any concerns. Pelvic Pain and Symphysis Pubis Disorder (SPD) Acupuncture has been found to to be the treatment of choice for women with a wide variety of pelvic pain,(research by Eldon et al, 2005). Acupuncture does not only diminishes the discomfort Symphysis Pubis Disorder (SPD) but can prevent the pain wordening as pregnancy progresses. Contact the Pelvic Partnership for a detailed explanation of SPD. Interuterine Growth Retardation Acupucture treatment using two points (bladder 67 and stomach 36) have been found to increase the weight of the baby. This condition can sometimes be found in mums who work too hard, are very tired or who are having to cope with stressful lives. Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Blood pressue often drops in early pregnancy but begins to climb at 24 weeks. If blood pressure goes up and down a lot then acupuncture will help to manage it. Acupuncture can normalise blood pressure by treating regularly throughout the pregnancy, in this way blood pressure can be easier to manage at the end of the pregnancy. Elevated blood pressure (a symptom of pre-eclampsia) is serious - if you find yourself with sudden headaches, dizzyness/vagueness and puffyness or can't concentrate well see your midwife or GP immediately. Constipation, Varicose Veins and Haemorrhoids Sluggish bowels are very common in pregnancy as the pressure on the bowel increases due to the size of the uterus. Laxatives are not recommended. Constipation is effectively treated by acupuncture as we have special points to harmonise the intestines and promote bowel movement. Varicose veins and vulval varicosity and haemorrhoid conditions are usually accompanied by aching heaviness and local swelling. Acupuncture has a specific treatment for these, usually needing about 3 treatments before a major change is noticed. Treatment is given once per week until improvement and then 2-4 weekly thereafter. We also use points on the calf muscles to help haemorrhoids after the birth of the baby. Anemia Acupuncture can help raise blood platelets and help the body use the iron it gets from food. Food supplements such as 'floradix' can boost the amount of iron entering the body. Avoid eating too many cold foods e.g. salads, ice cream or anything straight from the fridge - allow food to warm to room temperature. A technique called moxibustion helps with anemia. |
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