Benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy and post partum

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a holistic treatment option for many health conditions, including pregnancy related symptoms and post partum care. Acupuncture is not only safe during pregnancy, but also highly effective and recommended as a natural treatment option during your pregnancy journey.

During Pregnancy

Acupuncture is most beneficial during the first and third trimester of pregnancy. Some conditions include:

1. Nausea: regulating your spleen and stomach with specific acupuncture points can help to relieve nausea and vomiting commonly experienced during the first trimester of pregnancy.

2. Low back pain: pregnancy-related discomfort in your third trimester, such as lower back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica, finds quick relief from acupuncture.

3. Stress and anxiety: reducing stress and anxiety during pregnancy through acupuncture can help with an easier birthing experience and post partum recovery period.

4. Miscarriage prevention

5. Breech presentation: studies have shown that acupuncture can help to turn a breech baby to the proper head-down position before delivery, especially if treatment begins in weeks 32-34.

6. Labor induction: during the last few weeks of your third trimester, treatments are focused on relaxing the body to help induce labor

During Postpartum

After giving birth, the body undergoes significant changes. Some conditions that benefit from postpartum acupuncture include:

1. Physical healing and recovery: reducing pain and inflammation, treating scars, and promoting overall recovery after childbirth.

2. Hormonal imbalance: acupuncture regulates hormones that are often imbalanced after childbirth which can lead to depression, anxiety, lack of attachment, milk production issues, etc.

3. Postpartum depression and anxiety

4. Breastfeeding support: acupuncture has specific points to help enhance lactation and address breastfeeding challenges.

treatment recommendations

Acupuncture is beneficial throughout different stages of pregnancy, but the timing and frequency of treatments vary based on individual needs and specific pregnancy-related conditions. Here's a general guideline for recommended weeks when you might seek acupuncture therapy during your pregnancy:

1. First Trimester (Weeks 1–12): During this period, acupuncture can help manage early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, morning sickness, fatigue, loss of appetite, miscarriage prevention, and emotional changes. Frequency is best at once a week to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

2. Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27): While symptoms such as morning sickness may decrease, acupuncture can help address common concerns during this phase, such as back pain, heartburn, headaches, and stress. Regular sessions every 2-5 weeks can help maintain balance and alleviate discomfort as the body changes.

3. Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40): Acupuncture in the later stages of pregnancy can be particularly beneficial for preparing the body for labor. From week 34 onward, weekly acupuncture sessions are often recommended to help ripen the cervix, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation in preparation for childbirth. Additionally, acupuncture can assist with turning a breech baby and managing late-pregnancy symptoms like swelling, pelvic pain, and insomnia.

4. Pre-Labor Preparation (Weeks 37–40): Weekly or even bi-weekly sessions during the final weeks can support natural labor induction and help ensure the body is prepared for delivery. These treatments focus on promoting cervical dilation and reducing labor-related anxiety.

Additional dietary and nutritional recommendations based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory are also recommended to further help ease your pregnancy.

Have specific questions? Call or text (614)500-3577 or email info@nuwaveacupuncture.com