Acupuncture sessions at the Caen Normandy University Hospital maternity ward

Acupuncture is a practice originating from traditional Chinese medicine. It consists of stimulating "acupuncture points" on various parts of the body, primarily using needles*. *sante.gouv.fr

In France, obstetric acupuncture can only be practiced by doctors or midwives. For qualified midwives, acupuncture training is provided by the medical school as part of a two-year inter-university diploma in obstetric acupuncture.

Four midwives are graduates at the Caen Normandy University Hospital, and all the midwives in the department have received training in acupuncture. It is a specialty recognized by the medical and midwifery professional bodies.

Acupuncture consultations are offered all day Tuesday by one of the qualified midwives.

Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes. First, the midwife meets with the patient for about ten minutes to conduct a thorough and detailed interview and better understand the ailments to be treated. Then, she makes the patient comfortable in a room with soft lighting and soothing music conducive to relaxation and calmness. Finally, very fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body. They remain in place for 20 to 30 minutes.

All patients can benefit from this treatment which helps improve their well-being.

Acupuncture offers numerous benefits to pregnant women, promoting physical and emotional balance throughout pregnancy. It is also one of the top recommendations of the French National Authority for Health (HAS) for nausea and vomiting during the first trimester.

It is also beneficial, among other things, for managing stress and anxiety, relieving backaches and joint pain, helping to manage sleep disorders or preparing for childbirth.

Acupuncture is also offered later in the pregnancy, with sessions in the delivery room and postpartum period. This can help with cervical dilation or the baby's descent, as well as with postpartum pain.

Isaline had several acupuncture sessions during her first pregnancy and for her current one:

"You hardly feel anything, it doesn't hurt at all, and the benefits are felt very quickly during and after the session. The sessions even helped turn the baby!"

Acupuncture offers concrete support for women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology ( ART ). By promoting blood circulation and reducing stress, it can improve the chances of successful treatments.

In addition, it offers a moment of physical calm before and after embryo transfer, can relieve the side effects of ART drugs and contributes to the emotional well-being of women during this delicate journey.