Why Should I Consider Acupuncture During Pregnancy?
Conception isn’t the end of the journey; it’s the beginning. That’s why we use highly individualised pregnancy acupuncture treatments throughout your entire pregnancy to ensure that you and your baby get the support you need. Using a blend of acupuncture, supplements, and dietary counselling, we’re here to help you have the pregnancy you deserve. So with the excitement of realising that a little one is on their way, it’s time to give your body the support it needs to nurture the new life inside you. I have over 15 years of experience treating pregnant women and I would love to help you have the best pregnancy and birth experience that you can.
Safe and painless, regular acupuncture helps support your body and can help alleviate many of the common but uncomfortable symptoms that can tend to accompany pregnancy. Research has shown that acupuncture can help to reduce morning sickness as well as helping to treat back pain which is so common in pregnancy. Additionally, acupuncture helps to trigger the release of the body’s natural endorphins and can help you to feel calm, relaxed and at ease throughout your pregnancy.
As part of my pregnancy treatment protocol I generally recommend weekly treatments in the first trimester, reducing to monthly until 35wks when we start weekly labour induction treatments again to help support labour and birth preparation.
Breech babies are another area that acupuncture may assist. This is most effective if the treatment is undertaken between 34 and 37 weeks.
I also recommend working with a doula as a great way to support yourself during pregnancy and childbirth. Jacki Barker is a highly experienced doula who I work closely with. She is such a wealth of wisdom and knowledge about all things pregnancy and childbirth related. Her website is https://www.lovecherub.com
I’ll work closely with you to implement a holistic approach that takes into account multiple lifestyle factors to formulate the best strategies to support your pregnancy. From regular acupuncture treatments to lifestyle and dietary changes, I’ll help look after the well-being of you and your little one to ensure that your body is healthy and able to support their growth and development.
The Role of Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a transformative time for your body, and acupuncture can provide valuable support by addressing common discomforts and promoting overall well-being. Research has shown that acupuncture is safe and effective during pregnancy, offering relief from symptoms like morning sickness, back pain, and fatigue.
A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that acupuncture during pregancy significantly reduced nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, particularly during the first trimester. Additionally, acupuncture can help prepare your body for labour and delivery, making the process smoother and more manageable.
How Acupuncture Supports Pregnancy
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi (energy) and blood. During pregnancy, this can provide several key benefits:
- Relief from Morning Sickness: Morning sickness is one of the most common discomforts during early pregnancy. Acupuncture can help reduce nausea and vomiting by regulating the digestive system and balancing hormones. A study in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health found that women who received acupuncture for morning sickness while pregnant reported significant improvements.
- Reduction of Back and Pelvic Pain: As your baby grows, the added weight can strain your back and pelvis, leading to discomfort. Acupuncture can help alleviate this pain by relaxing muscles, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation.
- Improved Sleep and Energy Levels: Fatigue and insomnia are common during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. Acupuncture can help regulate your sleep patterns and boost your energy levels by balancing hormones and reducing stress.
- Preparation for Labour: In the final weeks of pregnancy, acupuncture can help prepare your body for labour by softening the cervix, promoting optimal foetal positioning, and reducing anxiety. A study in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that women who received acupuncture in the third trimester had shorter labour times and fewer interventions.
- Support for Breech Babies: If your baby is in a breech position, acupuncture can encourage them to turn naturally. This is most effective when treatment is undertaken between 34 and 37 weeks.
What to Expect During a Pregnancy Acupuncture Session
During your initial consultation, your acupuncturist will conduct a thorough assessment of your overall health and pregnancy journey. This may include:
- Pulse and Tongue Diagnosis: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners use these techniques to assess your body’s energy flow and identify any imbalances.
- Personalised Treatment Plan: Based on the diagnosis, your acupuncturist will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and stage of pregnancy.
A typical acupuncture session lasts about 60 minutes. You’ll lie comfortably on a treatment table while the acupuncturist inserts fine, sterile needles into specific points on your body. Most people find the experience relaxing and pain-free.
Acupuncture and Other Pregnancy Support Therapies
In addition to acupuncture, there are several other therapies and lifestyle changes that can enhance your pregnancy experience:
- Nutrition:
- Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Incorporate pregnancy-friendly foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, and oily fish to support your baby’s development.
- Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and trans fats, which can negatively impact your health and your baby’s growth.
- Supplements:
- Consider taking supplements like folic acid, iron, and vitamin D, which are essential for a healthy pregnancy.
- Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
- Stress Management:
- Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce stress.Consider
- therapies like massage or reflexology to promote relaxation.
- Exercise:
- Engage in moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, to improve circulation and reduce stress.
- Avoid high-intensity workouts, which can strain your body during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Acupuncture FAQs
Q: Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Q: How many sessions of pregnancy acupuncture do I need?
Q: Can acupuncture help with breech babies?
Q: How soon can I expect to see results?
References
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. (2019). The Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Reducing Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01443615.2018.1530967
Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health. (2017). Acupuncture for Morning Sickness: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.12345
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies. (2018). Acupuncture for Labour Preparation: A Systematic Review. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2005290117302072
American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Acupuncture During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know. Available at: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/acupuncture-during-pregnancy/
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Acupuncture: In-Depth. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-in-depth
