Acupuncture for
Fertility & Pregnancy
Acupuncture has a long and successful history in reproductive medicine and is an excellent holistic therapy to support couples on their journey to parenthood at whatever stage of their journey they are at.
For some, the fertility journey may not be straightforward, and the NHS believes that one in seven couples experience difficulty in conceiving which amounts to approximately 3.5 million people in the UK (NHS, 2016).
Acupuncture is becoming a popular choice whether couples are beginning to prepare for pregnancy, need help during pregnancy or would appreciate support with western fertility treatments such as IVF, IUI and ICSI.
With the increase in those seeking fertility assistance there has been an increase in the research carried out to determine the efficacy of acupuncture. Fact sheets alongside the latest research supporting the use of acupuncture in male and female infertility can be found at www.acupuncture.org.uk
In an ideal situation, providing acupuncture 6 months prior to Assisted Reproductive Treatments including IVF, IUI and ICSI would allow treatment and lifestyle changes to benefit ovarian, uterine and sperm health. However, acupuncture treatment can be started at any stage of the fertility journey with patients often turning to it closer to the time of IVF; and for support during pregnancy when western medicines often need to be avoided.
In Chinese Medicine pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period are viewed as a window of opportunity to enhance a woman’s wellbeing. This preventative care can help support the mothers’ health as well as deal with any pregnancy related ailments. Growing research confirms that not only is acupuncture safe during pregnancy, but that it supports conditions that many women suffer from including:
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Nausea and Vomiting (Smith et al, 2002)
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Symphysis pubis and sacroiliac pain (Elden et al 2005)
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Correcting breech presentation ideally between 34-36 weeks (Cardini and Weixin, 1998)
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Acupuncture for 3 – 4 weeks prior to labour can help to prepare the cervix and pelvis for labour (Kubista and Kucera (1974) and can lead to less medical intervention (Betts and Lenox (2006)
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Induction of labour if overdue (Gaudernack et al, 2007)
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Pain relief during labour through the use of acupressure (Hantoushzadeh et al, 2007)
Acupuncture can be used to relieve a variety of other conditions in which research can be found by visiting https://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/acupuncture/pregnancy-childbirth/research/
How much does it cost?
First Treatment (please allow 90 minutes): £75 Mickleover & £70 Hilton
During this appointment, a comprehensive medical and health history will be taken and you will receive your first treatment
Subsequent Treatments (45 minutes): £53 Mickleover & £48 Hilton
Moxibustion Treatment for Breach Presentation (45 minutes): £48
Acupuncture with Low Level Light Therapy - your usual acupuncture price plus £10
