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Nick O'Connor Registered Osteopath (principal)
Gillian Hind Registered Osteopath (cranial/paediatric)
Melvyn Hughes Registered Osteopath
Silke Ukena Registered Osteopath
Alexandra O'Connor LicAc MbAcC AFN Licensed Acupuncturist
For fertility acupuncture, see www.essexfertility.co.uk
Prebirth Acupuncture
Prebirth Acupuncture is a series of simple acupuncture treatments carried out in the final weeks of pregnancy which can gently ease the mum-to-be into the best possible physical and emotional state for labour and delivery. Used extensively in Germany, Switzerland and New Zealand, there is a growing body of evidence to recommend the use of Prebirth Acupuncture, it has been shown to have the potential to shorten the active stage of labour and reduce the need for medical intervention.
When should I start Prebirth Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can safely be used at any stage of pregnancy by an acupuncturist with the correct training, but the prebirth protocol is used after the 36th week. The treatment should be given weekly until delivery.
What does it involve?
Prebirth Acupuncture involves the insertion of a small number of ultra-fine, pre-sterilised single-use needles into acpuncture points that have been shown to promote cervical ripening, improve the baby's position and prepare the pelvis for labour. Your acupuncturist may also suggest you supplement treatment with some moxibustion at home or with some press needles (tiny needle pricks embeded on plaster strips); if so, you will be provided with the necessary items and shown how to use them.
Foetal Positioning; Breech or Posterior presentation
Various studies have shown that acupuncture or moxibustion can significantly increase the chance of the baby repositioning itself. Ideally treatment for breech presentation should begin at 34-35 weeks, but it is still possible to add points to the Prebirth Acupuncture protocol to encourage the baby to adjust its position.