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Pregnancy and Obstetrics

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The concept of healthy pregnancy management and treatment consists of the management of pregnancy based on a monthly program which includes a protocol for diagnosis, nutritional evaluation and supplementation including herbal medicine and acupuncture treatment.

Conditions such as nausea and vomiting, fatigue, depression, back ache, fluid retention and other presenting symptoms are monitored. The Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to pregnancy treatment is to manage and prevent at an early stage conditions such as, fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, conditions that are most commonly western medically related to auto immune activity.

Acupuncture is increasingly being adapted and applied alongside western medicine and has seen increased promotion in the medical community by organizations such as the British Medical Acupuncture Society. Subsequently, there is increasing research-based evidence to support the use of acupuncture in obstetrics and gynecology. Acupuncture is a safe and well tolerated treatment option for women and their babies.

Leading up to the due date of pregnancy Acupuncture is used to facilitate the effective movement of the foetus into an optimal position for the impending labour.

Acupuncture and Breech Presentation

The turning of breech babies using moxibustion from week 33 onwards is a successful and natural method to avoid medical intervention.

The success rates are as high as 81% in turning a breech baby.

Even women with a very late diagnosis of breech presentation have found that their babies have turned with the use of moxibustion and/or acupuncture.

Moxibustion involves burning a fragrant herb in the form of a moxa stick over one acupuncture point on the feet to relax the muscles in the uterus allowing the baby to turn.

It is extremely safe and relaxing and the great benefit of this treatment is that you can continue the treatment with your partner or friend in the comfort of your own home once we have taught you the technique and frequency of treatment.

Cervical Ripening

Treatment regimes for pre birth preparation have been found to be more successful when commenced in week 36 of pregnancy and a minimum of 4 acupuncture treatments administered. This is according to a case control study published in the Journal of Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation (1998). The study further found women treated with acupuncture in the 4 weeks prior to their due date had a more rapid maturation of the cervix, requiring less oxytocin augmentation during labour, and the duration of Labor was significantly shortened.

Through the treatment process questions are asked to ascertain the degree to which the cervix would be favourable to induction. If known, the Bishop score is used to help determine which patients are most likely to achieve a successful induction.

Once it has been determined that a patient is ready for induction, treatment utilises points designed to help the foetus descend, ripen the cervix and additionally stimulate the production of oxytocin within the body. At this stage treatment may also include the use of an electro-stimulation machine that emits short pulses into specific points.

Pre-birth acupuncture treatment and management

In the 3rd trimester, six weeks of pre-birth treatment and cervical ripening should follow on as part of a healthy pregnancy program and this includes specific protocols and assessment in preparation for a normal incident free birth. The final part of the program is the application of treatment for induction, either as a follow up to the healthy pregnancy program or as a one off treatment for induction post 40 weeks of gestation.

Pre birth acupuncture management and treatment is undertaken in preparation for healthy labor and child birth. This program begins at six weeks prior to due date and continues up to due date.

A sequence of weekly treatment is undertaken, which also includes reassessment of their general health and a fresh diagnosis each week.

During this time an obstetrician or midwife will establish foetal position and whether
anterior or posterior presentation including malposition.  Information on the bishops score will be gathered and a calculating sheet will be given to the client so that their
obstetrician or midwife can keep the acupuncturist informed on the progress,
which is then reassessed regularly.

The Acupuncture treatments during this time includes:

• Treatment of position
• Reinforcing Qi and Blood
• Management of general anxiety
• Soften the muscles of the pelvic floor
• Assisting the foetus to descend and engage
• Ripening the cervix

On the due date the patients and their partners are given information on the location
of specific points and stimulation techniques for acupressure if required.  Other techniques to assist in labour
preparation are included in a patient handout.

Acupuncture induction

The protocol for induction in most cases includes at least three (3) acupuncture treatments.  Treatment if possible is
normally undertaken over a 3-7 day period.  The impact of acupuncture on induction is gradually built up with the
intention of the final treatment being the major inductive application.  The treatment of any anxiety and tension is
also important in preparation for labour induction.