Experiences of pregnant women recieving acupuncture treatment from Midwives

Lythgoe, J

Abstract

Acupuncture is potentially an effective treatment for common conditions of pregnancy and labour pain with midwives being well placed to offer it. The aims of this study were to explore the experiences of pregnant women receiving acupuncture treatment from midwives, to provide insight into their perceptions of effect including the influence and value of the midwife on this experience. The lack of qualitative evidence has provided the rationale for this study. Within a phenomenological methodology an 'Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis' (IPA) approach was adopted, with 10 women attending the Salford Midwifery Acupuncture Service (SMAS) being recruited to this study. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews and the IPA analysis identified five main themes; justification of choice, relief & relaxation, trust & understanding, regaining self, discovering and sharing a secret. The women were happy to access acupuncture if recommended by a health professional; they gained pain relief and improved function, with more ability to care for their children and to continue working. They were grateful for the opportunity to access acupuncture, finding it enjoyable and reporting intense emotional and physical sensations. It offered prolonged effect, improving sleep and wellbeing, and it correlated well with purported neurophysiological mechanisms. Responses seemed more intense than in previous reports, possibly due to their pregnant state or heightened affective component. A midwife-acupuncturist was advantageous having knowledge and understanding of pregnancy, with ‘understanding’ being more important than professional background. The women felt optimistic and empowered to make plans for birth and parenthood and were wishing to share their experiences with others. The ‘lay network’ was an important factor within the women’s choice to access acupuncture. These findings indicate acupuncture is an acceptable treatment which can provide relief, improved wellbeing and support normality. Midwives could offer acupuncture as an adjunct to their role to facilitate individualised reflexive practice.

Citation

Lythgoe, J. (in press). Experiences of pregnant women recieving acupuncture treatment from Midwives. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Acceptance Date: Jun 24, 2015
• Deposit Date: May 31, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: May 31, 2017