Nothing quite compares to the excitement felt from the words, “I’m pregnant.” New and growing families look forward to this special time and hope for minimal complications during the pregnancy and birth. Over this period of 40 weeks, a woman’s body undergoes many physical and emotional changes making it more important than ever to care for not only her own health, but the health of the life inside her as well. By utilizing the benefits of acupuncture, patients can ensure that they remain in optimal health during this period safely and naturally without the use of potentially harmful medications.
Acupuncture works by manipulating the flow of energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”), throughout pathways in the body called meridians. By using corresponding points on the body the Qi is used to balance vital organ systems and keep the body in good health. This method has been used in China for thousands of years to regulate the female reproductive system.
For pregnancy, an acupuncture practitioner will determine the number and frequency of treatments for each patient individually based on their specific needs and concerns. Balancing treatments throughout the pregnancy help to enhance the mother and baby’s health as well as potentially reducing the risk for complications. During pregnancy, mother’s often experience a number of symptoms, complications, and other moments where acupuncture has been found to assist. These include:
- Back pain and sciatica
- Breech birth
- Childbirth
- Constipation
- Edema
- Excessive lactation
- Fatigue
- Heartburn
- Hemorrhoids
- Insufficient Lactation
- Labor and delivery pain
- Mastitis
- Morning sickness
- Prevention of Miscarriage
- Physical Problems
- Postoperative healing
- Postpartum discharge
- Psychological problems
Acupuncture is effective at all stages of pregnancy and is especially effective for patients suffering morning sickness by alleviating many of the symptoms of morning sickness. A practitioner can even show patients specific massage points on the body to deal with nausea and lack of appetite at home. During later stages, acupuncture has helped many patients deal with depression and other psychological symptoms that arise during their pregnancy.
In the case of breech babies, or those who are positioned feet first, specific acupuncture treatments have been successful in turning the baby to face the right way. This can also be used for babies positioned in other difficult ways and is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent complications that can arise in the future.
After the birth acupuncture helps new mothers rebalance their bodies and maintain their overall health as they adjust to their new life. Post-birth treatments allow mothers to regain strength, vitality, and boost the body’s defenses once again.
Remember to always communicate with your health care providers about any treatments you undergo and medications you take in order to avoid any drug interactions.