Baby Loss and Miscarriage – Can Acupuncture help?

Written by Louise Hughes (Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist)

With June 2016 being SANDS Awareness Month it’s a time that brings into sharp focus the devastating effect that losing a baby at any stage of pregnancy can have on individuals, couples and families.

Over my ten years’ in practice I have seen many couples and women go through their fertility and pregnancy journeys. Often, after seeing me for fertility issues and getting pregnant, women continue to have acupuncture throughout their pregnancy to help with some of the symptoms associated with pregnancy and to prevent further complications including miscarriage.

Miscarriages are more common than most people expect, unfortunately 1 in 4 pregnancies ends with miscarriage and can be a very real loss, even in the early weeks of pregnancy. I have had patients say how surprised they were to feel grief over a lost pregnancy even at 5 weeks. But it’s not how long you were pregnant that matters, but the knowledge that you were pregnant and now you’re not, and the loss of the hopes and dreams associated with that. Losing a baby in the final stages of pregnancy can be even more devastating and the physical, mental and emotional impact can be huge.

There is a common misconception that acupuncture is not safe to use during pregnancy, but as long as your acupuncturist is aware you are pregnant having acupuncture is very safe. In fact acupuncture can help to reduce some of the symptoms associated with pregnancy, help to prevent miscarriage and increase the chances of a live and healthy birth.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are also valuable to help improve emotional, spiritual and mental wellbeing and reduce the impact that a loss such as miscarriage or baby loss can have. Maintaining a good relationship with your acupuncturist throughout your pregnancy can also help you to deal with the emotional and psychological impact and they can be a great source of support, reassurance and comfort though a difficult time.

With loving support and comfort,

Louise x

To book an appointment with Louise for acupuncture or Chinese herbs please contact the Natural Healthcare Centre on 01283 516444.

Resources

SANDS Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity. Available here.

The Miscarriage Association. Available here.

British Acupuncture Council (2016) Acupuncture and Pregnancy. Available here.