How complimentary can midwives be about acupuncture?

As midwives we strive to provide woman centred holist care and acupuncture fits this paradigm well. It creates an opportunity for a woman to gain control, an alternative to the medical solutions. Studies on neurophysiology may explain why acupuncture has a calming effect. Midwives and obstetricians are well placed to offer pregnant women acupuncture and although more research is needed, there is enough evidence to consider its development within maternity services as an option. This article provides evidence that acupuncture can be an effective treatment and should be a part of informed choice discussions for conditions related to pregnancy.