Why Utilize Acupuncture Care During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy should be a time in a woman’s life that’s filled with joy and wonder. The new life that her body is nurturing within is nothing short of miraculous. As amazing as this time is, women often experience symptoms of discomfort associated with pregnancy. Symptoms such as morning sickness, swelling, and sciatica are common complaints during pregnancy. These and other symptoms are so common that many doctors consider them to be ‘normal’ yet just not ideal. Often no treatments are offered, and women are left to suffer through the discomfort. I have administered thousands of acupuncture treatments to pregnant women over the years, and it has been my experience that acupuncture is an effective treatment option for many of the common ailments associated with pregnancy. It is my mission that no mother should have to suffer needlessly.
Morning Sickness
For many mothers-to-be, morning sickness is the first ailment encountered during pregnancy and can make the first trimester (and beyond for some unlucky women) one of the most miserable phases of pregnancy. The constant feeling of nausea that many women experience can make even simple daily tasks feel unbearable. Acupuncture’s ability to effectively subdue the discomfort of morning sickness is nothing short of amazing! Studies have shown acupuncture to be 97% effective in its ability to calm the symptoms of morning sickness. I’ve personally treated hundreds of cases of morning sickness and seen that for most women, the relief provided by acupuncture is rapid and obvious after as little as one treatment.
Breech Presentation
Traditional East Asian Medicine has a long history of encouraging breech babies to move into the head down position. Some studies have shown acupuncture to be up to 75% effective in this endeavor. The most ideal time to seek treatment for a breech baby is between 33 and 35 weeks gestation. I’ve had both midwives and doctors tell me that breech presentation isn’t considered problematic until 37 weeks gestation. This way of thinking is similar to saying that not brushing your teeth is only problematic when you get a cavity. By 37 weeks, babies have less room in the womb and therefore a more difficult time flipping to head down. My advice is seek treatment early, when there is still plenty of room for baby to make an easy turn.
Labor Induction
For the purpose of inducing labor, more and more women are seeking acupuncture treatment as an alternative to harsh chemical inductions. Acupuncture treatment can effectively encourage a woman’s body to initiate labor naturally. It cannot force a woman into labor like chemical inductions do. I have seen it work successfully for a great number of the mothers who seek this type of treatment. However it is always my recommendation that the best way to not need an induction is to commit to a series of PreBirth Acupuncture treatments in the weeks leading up to a mother’s due date. There are times when labor induction is needed for the safety of mother or baby. Acupuncture treatment is a safe, drug-free alternative for mothers who aren’t comfortable with a chemical induction as their first option.
Other Pregnancy Related Ailments that Women Seek Acupuncture Treatment for are:
- Lack of energy & malaise
- Low Back Pain & Sciatica
- Edema (Swelling)
- Heart Burn, Indigestion & Reflux
- Constipation & Diarrhea
- Hemorrhoids
- Hypertension
- Placenta Previa
- Anemia
- Preeclampsia
- Vericose Veins
- Insomnia
