Help before and during pregnancy can come in a variety of unexpected and new forms. From fertility to delivery, acupuncture is a valuable pathway towards a healthy pregnancy.
Here’s a look at some of the most common applications for acupuncture and pregnancy:
Fertility. Acupuncture for fertility can help regulate hormones and optimize the body’s normal function to increase fertility and help conception. It is used by individuals – both women and men – to achieve pregnancy.
During pregnancy, acupuncture is a safe and effective form of natural treatment and may used for a wide range of applications:
- Nausea. Acupuncture is very effective in reducing both the severity and incidence of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
- Pain and discomfort. Common musculoskeletal complaints during pregnancy are: back pain, rib pain, sciatica, and pubic bone pain. When used regularly, acupuncture can be an effective treatment in reducing and eliminating musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy.
- Breech or posterior babies. Moxibustion, or “moxa” is the burning of mugwort over the surface of the skin with an insulting medium. Moxa can help turn or move breech and/or posterior babies by utilizing its heating or cooling properties. Ideally, treatment is at 34 –35 weeks, but can still be useful when used later in the pregnancy.
- Healthy delivery. Specialized acupuncture treatments can help prepare a woman’s body for childbirth 3-4 weeks prior to the due date. Acupuncture treatment at this time would target preparing the pelvis and cervix for delivery, treatment is typically scheduled once per week until labor begins.
- Inducing labor. If your healthcare provider recommends inducing labor, Acupuncture can provide a safe and gentle induction to labor if the baby is overdue. Using acupuncture for induction can be an effective alternative to a medical induction
These are just a few of the many benefits acupuncture can offer women before and during pregnancy. Acupuncture can also help women regulate menstrual cycles, treat endometriosis, and ease symptoms during menopause. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, visit us here.