The Midwifery Led Department of The Portland Hospital is promoting acupuncture as an outpatient service to offer a unique and bespoke experience for you and your baby.
Carys Morgan, Consultant Acupuncturist at 212 Great Portland Street, has over 22 years of experience working as an acupuncturist in pre-conception, fertility and pregnancy care and has spent her career committed to working alongside western medicine. She has worked for eight years in Harley Street Clinics before being awarded Practicing Privileges with The Portland Hospital.
Carys is offering a free 15-minute phone consultation as an opportunity to support your individual pregnancy needs.
mobile number: 07969 200721
First Trimester Acupuncture
Weekly appointments are recommended to maintain general health and to help prevent miscarriage. Acupuncture can support blood circulation and help to maintain a rich blood supply to the uterus. It can also boost energy levels, relieve stress, and alleviate some common conditions of early pregnancy such as morning sickness.
Second Trimester Acupuncture
Fortnightly or monthly appointments can help to promote optimal well-being by preventing the occurrence of some common pregnancy symptoms to include, back pain, pelvic pain, (SPD), cramps, stress, indigestion, heartburn, and insomnia.
Third Trimester Acupuncture
Acupuncture has much to offer in the last few weeks of pregnancy in helping to prepare you for your birth. Weekly appointments are encouraged from 36 weeks, either for general health, to turn a breech baby, prepare for childbirth, ease carpal tunnel syndrome, prevent or relieve oedema, lower blood pressure, or naturally induce labour.
Pre-birth acupuncture has positive effects on a woman’s emotional and physical wellbeing. Research shows that acupuncture can help to reduce labour time, increase the probability of a vaginal delivery, and lessen the likelihood of medical intervention.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Turning a Breech Baby
Moxibustion is a way of stimulating acupuncture points with heat, which can encourage the foetus to turn. The technique involves burning moxa in the form of a stick made of ground mugwort leaves, near an acupuncture point (BL-67) on the little toe. By stimulating the production of maternal hormones (placental oestrogens and prostaglandin), it encourages the lining of the womb to gently contract which stimulates foetal activity. This technique can be used safely at home with the help of your partner, subject to a couples appointment to teach the procedure.
Acupuncture for a Natural Induction of Labour
A natural induction with acupuncture is available to women who are overdue by at least 3 days, or who are medically required to give birth before on, or before, their due date. It aims to soften the cervix and encourages the onset of uterine contractions.
The main benefit of using acupuncture is that it is a much more gentle introduction to labour and reduces the acute pain that is often associated with medically induced labours. Up to 3 sessions on either consecutive, or alternate days, may be needed. These appointments can be performed in The Midwifery Led Department or at home by arrangement.
Postnatal Acupuncture
Post birth, acupuncture can help to boost energy levels, rebalance hormones and support recovery. The practice of a nurturing treatment, affectionately termed ‘Mother Warming’ can aid recovery following birthing. Warming the empty uterus by sending a gentle heat into specific acupuncture points can enrich the blood supply in the lower abdomen and help you to regain your figure.
Acupuncture can also be used to promote a healthy milk supply and offers a safe, drug-free approach to postnatal anxiety and depression.
Pregnancy Acupuncture Prices
Initial Consultation with Acupuncture (90 minutes) £250
All prospective patients are required to attend an Initial Consultation prior to starting any package or procedure.
Individual Acupuncture Follow-Up Treatment (60 minutes) £150
Pregnancy Package* £540 10% discount (see terms and conditions)
Treatments can be purchased in advance in multiples of 4 sessions with a 10% discount applied. These can be used as required throughout pregnancy from week 12–40.
Moxa to Turn Breech Baby £200 per treatment
(inclusive of Moxa sticks for home use, where appropriate)
A minimum of 1 session may be required during the third trimester from 32-35 weeks to encourage a breech or a transverse baby to turn to a head down position in the womb. Partners may be encouraged to attend a second appointment to learn how to continue using the moxa sticks at home.
Pre-Birth Preparation £180 per treatment
These treatments are designed for those who opt for receiving support at the end of pregnancy. Pre-Birth acupuncture helps to soften the cervix and optimises foetal positioning. 4 sessions of acupuncture are recommended on a weekly basis form 36-40 weeks’ gestation in preparation for childbirth. Acupuncture is also reported to have a very positive effect on a woman’s mental and emotional wellbeing at this time.
Acupuncture for Labour Induction £300 per treatment
A natural induction with acupuncture is available to women who are overdue by at least 3 days, or who are medically required to give birth before on, or before, their due date. Up to 3 sessions may be required on either consecutive or alternate days. It aims to soften the cervix and encourages the gentle onset of uterine contractions.
Home visits are available by arrangement. A call out fee of £150 per visit will be charged.
Post Birth Package* £270 10% discount
This programme involves 2 sessions on a weekly basis within the first 10 days to a month following birth.
Post Birth acupuncture is suitable for both vaginal and c-section delivery. It helps to rebalance hormones whilst also promoting healing and recovery and helping to increase milk supply. It may include a ‘Mother Warming’ treatment where appropriate.
Home visits are available by arrangement. A call out fee of £150 per visit will be charged.
*Terms and Conditions
All packages must be paid for in advance. Non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
There is a strict 48-hour cancellation policy otherwise a full charge will be incurred. This applies to missed appointments.
Payment is required in advance by card machine, online bank transfer or cash. Receipts are provided for those wishing to reclaim payment from private insurance providers.
