Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can provide a safe, effective alternative for many of the health complications that may arise before, during and after pregnancy. A growing number of women are choosing acupuncture to use throughout their pregnancy.

That is all too often viewed as part of the normal discomforts of pregnancy. Even early in pregnancy then there are very few changes in body shape, musculoskeletal problems are often present due to the hormonal effects of progesterone on the ligaments. As the pregnancy progresses, these conditions became more prevalent. In addition to the weight of the growing fetus which needs to be compensated for by the woman’s muscles and joints, there is also the fact that this weight is distributed in the abdomen rather than evenly over the entire body. This in effect throws off the woman’s center of gravity, leading to a variety of pelvic, back, shoulder and neck problems.

Specific problems also arise due to pressure on the limited physical space. The ribs often become an area of discomfort, as they have to compensate and expand as the growing uterus pushes upward. Added to this there is often hip and pelvic pain from the ligament structures loosening within the pelvis and from the added physical pressure as the baby engages into the pelvis. While for some women this musculoskeletal pain is a minor inconvenience and a reminder to treat the body with greater care by lifting cautiously or resting more , for others it results in complete disruption to their lives, involving daily pain and lack of sleep and restricting their everyday activities.

Western medical treatment usually involves physiotherapy, specific exercises to help with problem area and advice on rest. If the pain is severe, bed rest in a hospital, medication or a medical induction may be considered.

A traditional Chinese medicine viewpoint: Musculoskeletal pain is seen as a disruption to the flow of qi or blood in the channels passing through a specific area. This can arise from invasion of pathogenic factors (such as wind, cold, damp and heat), overuse, trauma or from an internal zangfu (organ) disharmony to a channel.

Beautiful Baby Treatment is a special acupuncture treatment protocol used at 3 and 6 months of pregnancy to promote happy babies.