We are delighted to provide shared care for women who opt to have their antenatal care privately and birth in a public hospital. A couple of appointments in the public system will be scheduled and the rest will be provided privately. The service can include pre-pregnancy planning, antenatal visits and post-partum care.

During the pregnancy, we will discuss and organise the different tests that are available, depending on your personal choice; the consultations will be in-person, to ensure you and your baby are doing well. Appointments are 4 weeks apart early in the pregnancy and get closer as the pregnancy progresses with weekly visits late in the third trimester. Needless to say, this can be personally tailored to suit particular medical and other needs.

Women around the world have been using acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine for centuries so let me explain the wonderful benefits. Research has shown that acupuncture is a very safe and effective treatment for pregnant women when conducted by an experienced practitioner. Acupuncture is embraced because it is safe, effective and patients enjoy that there is nothing to be ingested as part of treatment which is especially useful for women experiencing symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea. Acupressure and acupuncture have been shown to be scientifically effective in alleviating nausea.

We usually recommend weekly visits with your acupuncturist – particularly if you have any history of difficulty in conceiving, miscarriage, bleeding, cramping, anxiety or other issues in early pregnancy. If indicated and with your consent, Chinese herbal medicine may also be administered during this time, but not always.

During this time we will focus on treating the many common complaints of early pregnancy (nausea, vomiting, anxiety, etc.) while optimising your health and well being, moderating stress and applying measures for miscarriage prevention. Appointments are often less frequent during second trimester unless issues arise which require treatment. Four to six weekly visits are usually adequate during this time when the pregnancy is progressing normally and well.

During pregnancy it is imperative to consult with health practitioners who are very experienced in caring for the special needs and limitations of pregnant women. Our practitioners at WHM are qualified to treat pregnant women and have also had multiple pregnancies themselves. They are nurturing, confident and brilliant resources for new mums to be and also understand the juggle of multiple children. WHM practitioners work as a team with all medical specialists including obstetricians to ensure the best care for their patients. Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be used with great success to support a healthy pregnancy and prepare your body for labour, birth and motherhood.

Now that you’re pregnant it’s the ideal time to review your diet. What you eat during pregnancy affects your own health and wellbeing, your developing baby and your baby’s health later in life.

When pregnant you only need to increase how much you eat by a small amount, but you do need more of certain nutrients.

Important nutrients during pregnancy

Folic acid

Folic acid (also called folate) is a vitamin needed to build your baby’s cells. In early pregnancy it can help reduce the risk of certain birth defects such as spina bifida.

Iodine

Iodine is important for the developing brain and nervous system of your baby. As more is needed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it’s hard to get enough from food, a daily supplement of 150 microgram of iodine is recommended. Most pregnancy multivitamins contain this dose.

Protein

Protein helps build all body tissues.

Iron

During pregnancy your body needs more iron to form red blood cells for yourself and your baby. Lack of iron can cause tiredness and if severe can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies.

Calcium

Calcium helps form healthy bones. The richest source of calcium are dairy foods.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body to absorb and use calcium. It works together with calcium to build your baby’s bones

Multivitamin supplements

A balanced diet is the best way to meet the increased nutrient requirements of pregnancy but if you are unable to eat well, a pregnancy multivitamin supplement may help.

Omega-3 fats

Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for healthy brain, nerve and eye development in your baby and may have other health benefits.