Acupuncture in pregnancy- "now not advised" - really?

[OliviaMumsnet]

When I had DC1 I was having acupuncture about every month from about 7weeks to help with morning sickness and general exhaustion. (PFB )

Would probably have had it more often later in the pg but my acupuncturist went away near my EDD .
This is about 2.5 years ago

Then I moved away and haven't found an acupuncturist near me as yet.

I've hurt my back and have been having osteo treatment for it as am 22 weeks preg with #2 now.

I asked the osteo if acupuncture would help (thought I could make a trip back to my old acupuncturist as I found it all so helpful).

Osteo replied "oh no, it's not advised at all in pregnancy."

Just wondered if anyone else has heard this?
Tia

(in personal not MNHQ guise btw)

I was goign to a herbalist - I had an appointment fixed the day after I found out I was pregnant (she'd been doign things to help) and went along anyway as I would have had to pay for it. She recommended trying accupuncture too - I found it wonderful to help with mornign sickness, relieve stress and help with sleeping - went every 2wks throughout pregnancy.

Well my hospital offers free acupuncture for induction of labour and (I think) for breech babies.

So clearly it isn't totally contraindicated. I could imagine they might be nervous about early pg.

When I was pg with DS (3 years ago) the pain clinic at the hospital gave me acupuncture. I think it is some therapists who are worried about potential liability who refuse.

Really I had accupuncture with my last pregnancy at the end of 2008.

She was a dedicated prego accupuncturist/yoga type person. As far as I am aware it is a well known to have quick labouring type properties.

I've been seeing an acupuncturist who specialises in fertility. I'm 29 weeks pregnant and see her every month - there are certain points they can't treat if you're pregnant (or in the 2ww when ttc) but not heard that you shouldn't go. She also limits the number of points she treats - so I get a choice between a treatment for morning sickness or hayfever for example.

Oooh, congratulations on the pregnancy oliviamumsnet!

I had acupuncture 2 years ago with DD1 - my acupuncturist did tell me that there were certain areas they couldn't treat you on, as thefatlady says, but other than that it was fine.

Thanks all for messages and congrats. Not feeling very radiant that's for sure
Yes, I can understand the early pg thing and of course not doing anything in certain areas but think it's a bit odd.
Will think on.

I am having weekly acupuncture to help with my migraines (now that I can't take any of my lovely drugs). It's in a big NHS clinic and neither of the therapists I've seen have batted an eyelid - if they know what they're doing then they know which points to avoid. I did only start going at the start of my second trimester.

The only issue I have now that I'm getting a bit bigger is finding a comfortable position to lie in! Baby seems to like it - he wriggles quite a lot when the needles are in!

I would go for it if it works for you.

My hospital (Whittington) gives acupuncture for pregnancy related conditions - induction, breech, severe morning sickness etc.

My GP gave me acupuncture (20 weeks ago) to try and relieve morning sickness, it didn't help but then it transpired I have hyperemesis, unless it's a really new theory not to then it must be a widely ignored theory!

I think the key is the therapist knowing you are pregnant and treating accordingly... my acupuncturist wanted me to wait a couple of cycles to TTC shen I started treatment with her so that she could treat me "knowing for sure I wasn't pregnant". Then she gave me the green light and whooosh first month BFP... . Am only 7 weeks, but still seeing her weekly and the points she is treating are very different now.

hey jollster
i had my ac session on monday (i only found out about BFP at the weekend). i asked the therapist about it causing uterine contractions and she said she would always stay clear of those points. she way lovely and very experienced and said that ac can be used to support the pregnancy throughout.

Hijacking thread - but Jollster - just seen your news! I'm way out of date on the other threads but that has made my morning - huge grin on my face. Big congrats and may the next weeks fly by!

sh77 have everything crossed for you, I recall you have had such a hard time - think this is your 4th pg too. May the Forth be with us both (bad joke sorry ).

TFLS - aw shucks, bless you. That's really sweet. You must be in the final quarter by now? Keep well x

Considering the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study (albeit in 1998) showing that acupuncture and moxibustion was 75% successful in turning breech or transverse babies into the right position, I think the arguments FOR acupuncture are pretty solid.

I would say the osteo just wants you to use his services rather than going to another therapist!