Congratulations! You are pregnant and nourishing life. Pregnancy can be both joyful and challenging for many women. As your body experiences significant changes, discomfort can often arise. Acupuncture is an effective and safe medicine to address the challenges during pregnancy. This ancient practice offers a variety of benefits specifically designed for pregnant women, enhancing their physical and emotional well-being throughout this transformative journey.
1st trimester
Many women experience a range of unpleasant symptoms during pregnancy, such as nausea, back pain, fatigue, headaches, and mood swings from the increase in hormones. We also use acupuncture to help support the pregnancy, calm your stress hormones, and stimulate gentle circulation to ensure optimal nutrients to the growing fetus.
Morning Sickness
Contrary to the name, this symptom can arise at any time of day for some women. It can be debilitating and sometimes requires a visit to the hospital because the woman becomes dehydrated. Research shows that acupuncture can significantly reduce these symptoms. For instance, a study demonstrated that 70% of women receiving acupuncture reported improved nausea and reduced vomiting frequency.
Headaches
There are many reasons why some women experience headaches during pregnancy. Having a history of migraines, an increase in hormones and blood volume from pregnancy, dehydration from morning sickness, low blood sugar, sinus issues, or stress can all cause headaches during pregnancy. One small study published in 2012 from the European Journal of Integrative Medicine studied acupuncture to treat tension-type headaches in pregnancy. The researchers found that patients treated with acupuncture had lower pain scores and used less medication than the control group. The patients treated with acupuncture also reported improved mood and sleep during treatment.
Second Trimester
Acupuncture during this stage helps support the pregnancy and relieve aches, pains, digestive issues, and swelling. It also promotes circulation, which is important for emotional well-being and the fetus's absorption of nutrients.
Back Pain
Back, hip, and pelvic pain are common symptoms as the fetus grows. This can be due to the extra weight and the release of the hormone relaxin. This hormone relaxes the ligaments around the SI joint, which prepares the body for childbirth. However, during pregnancy, this can cause pain because when these ligaments are relaxed, it can cause instability in the joints of the pelvis and lower back during sitting, standing, and lying down. Most women find themselves with one-sided low back and hip pain, sometimes alternating sides, and sometimes mimicking sciatica-like symptoms with pain going down the leg. Acupuncture treatments specifically target the muscles likely causing dysfunction, addressing tension, and enhancing blood circulation. In one study, 80% of participants reported noticeable reductions in back pain after a series of acupuncture sessions.
Third Trimester
Breech presentation
Numerous studies show that moxibustion (or moxa) can help turn breech presentations during pregnancy. When used to turn a breech baby, moxa is heated close to the skin of the fifth toes of both feet for about 15-20 minutes. This heats the receptors on the toe's skin, encouraging the release of two pregnancy hormones: placental estrogen and prostaglandins, which lead to uterine contractions and encourage the baby to move. Treatment can begin from 33-37 weeks of pregnancy. The client will take home their own moxa stick to perform at home twice a day for 7 days or until the baby turns.
Preparation for labor
Some studies indicate that acupuncture may help stimulate contractions and prepare the cervix for labor. There are specific acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy but can be used when the woman is full term to trigger the body's natural processes for labor. For instance, research suggests that women who received acupuncture during the last month of pregnancy had a 30% higher chance of going into labor naturally compared to those who did not. We always recommend consulting a healthcare provider before starting any acupuncture treatment, especially as the due date nears.
Postpartum Recovery
Most women naturally nourish their bodies during pregnancy. However, no one discusses how much the mother's body starts to change once she gives birth. Most of the focus is on keeping this new human alive. You may be experiencing insomnia, urinary incontinence, anxiety/depression, or aches and pains. Acupuncture has been shown to ignite the mother's healing process so she can be present for all the joys of being a new mother.
Frequency of treatments
The recommendation is to come once a week in the first trimester and then reduce treatment frequency to every 3-4 weeks for maintenance and general well-being support. However, if symptoms persist, weekly treatments are safe and effective throughout the entire pregnancy.
Acupuncture for Pregnancy
By addressing common pregnancy symptoms and promoting emotional balance, women can better navigate this remarkable journey. Whether it is relieving discomfort, aiding in labor preparation, or supporting postpartum recovery, acupuncture is a holistic option for maternal wellness.
At Gabriella Sahyoun Acupuncture, we offer a moment of relaxation and a safe place to be heard during your pregnancy journey. If you are struggling with pregnancy symptoms, schedule a free 15-minute consultation call to learn how acupuncture can help. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
コメント