acupuncture in pregnancy for hip pain

[HeinzSight]

anyone tried it. I've just read someone else's thread (Memoo) about Osteopaths in pregnancy and someone mentioned acupuncture. I've never had it before.

Is it worth trying?

I'm 27 weeks and suffering terribly with pelvic girdle pain. Sacroiliac joint.

I practise acupuncture but not on people

IIRC you do need to take care with it during pregnancy as it may stimulate contractions. Some people respond really well, other less so. I do have a vague memory that acupuncture during pregnancy isn't advised "below the waist", but I can't remember who told me that and whether it was from a reliable source!

I would ask your GP for a referral (many physios offer acupuncture) because then at least you have some assurance of knowledge on the part of the practitioner, and they can then offer you individual advice on whether it is something worth trying.

thanks FairMidden, I found this on the net. Also did a search on the MN arhives and like you say, a lot of pregnant women use acupunture to bring on labour! At 27 weeks this isn't something I want to happen!!!!

I used acupuncture for SPD and hip pain plus in the end lower back pain (unbelievable, one needle in my back and I could feel a warm flow and pain was gone).

Also used it to be induced on recommendation from MW and it worked with DS. She then adviced me again to start with DD at 37 weeks but she stayed put and nothing happened.

I think acupuncture is a great way but make sure you find a acupuncturist who has worked with pregnant women before. Or get a recommendation from a MW (as mine did).

Good luck!

Thanks for that Vino, that's brilliant news.

How much would a session set you back?

If I remember rightly the first session was £35 and then £30 thereafter (home practice in Oxfordshire)

hi heinz- i've been having acupuncture and it defintiely helps with the hip pain. my lady is v experienced in treating pg women - there are less points you can use than non pg but it has helped me with morning sickness, and possible even to conceive. i also had it last pg to help with itching.
mine is £52 a go but worth it when i can afford it.def recommend if you can.

thanks

I spoke to my midwife earlier and she said she's heard about acupuncture in pregnancy but didn't know of anyone. She gave me an osteopaths number.

What would be better? Osteopathy or acupunture?

Heinz- I have no experience with osteopathy in pregnancy but have had this before and after (within 6 weeks of giving birth and it was fab)pregnancies. Personally I would prefer acupunture as it seems to be less movement to your body IYSWIM (less stress for baby) but that me and probably a load of b....s

thanks Vino

Hi Heinz, just wanted to say I went for acupuncture last night (not for hip pain but to chill me for birth and to try and get things moving)
I went to my local University and had a third year student do the acupuncture, they are supervised and it is much cheaper. initial consultation is free and further treatments are £10 a go.(this was at Lincoln uni)
I was very lucky to have a specialist in pregnancy acupuncture supervise the student so felt in very safe hands.

Just wanted to let you know about a cheaper option. good luck

ps......I have suffered really badly with hip pain throughout this pregnancy and would definitely have given acupuncture a go had I known about it earlier!!