Acupuncture during pregnancy can help expecting mothers with the typical discomforts experienced during this time. Acupuncture is especially helpful with “birth preparation” treatments leading up to the due date, preparing the body for labour and helping induce contractions if needed. Even dads can use a little help relieving stress during this exciting time, so read on to find out how acupuncture can make bringing a little one into the world a more enjoyable experience.
As an acupuncturist, pregnant women are often asking me two questions: “is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?” and “does acupuncture during pregnancy help?”
To first question, I can answer when it is performed by a professional, acupuncture during pregnancy is widely considered safe and carries with it very few risks. And those risks are the ones that come with acupuncture in general: soreness, infection at insertion sites, and injury from needles placed too deeply–all things that should be a non-issue when you are getting treated by a professional.
Perhaps the main concern with getting acupuncture when pregnant is where the acupuncture is performed: there are some acupuncture points that can induce contractions, which is why a professional will avoid them until term–at which point expecting moms might consider using acupuncture for induction.
As for whether acupuncture during pregnancy helps relieve some of the unpleasant symptoms, the consensus among my patients is that yes, it can definitely help.
As a woman, growing your family can be a crazy (good crazy!) time. This can be everything from your new belly accidentally knocking your coffee cup off of your desk, the foreign feelings of little (and big!) kicks within, to hormones so out of whack that you find yourself crying just from watching a 30 second commercial.
But then there are the other “joys” that some of us experience, such as:
- Back pain
- Insomnia
- Heartburn
- Pelvic pain
- Morning sickness
Getting acupuncture during pregnancy can help ease some of these aches and pains endured during pregnancy, as well contribute to a healthy mental state by aiding the release of endorphins-your body’s natural “feel good” hormones.
If you find yourself saying, “well, …it’s only 9 (10) months” repeatedly, then maybe it’s time you booked yourself a much-deserved Acupuncture treatment!
And don’t worry partners: I haven’t forgotten about you! You may not be carrying the new bundle of joy, but you are still experiencing a lot of the same stresses and mixed emotions. Acupuncture can be a great way to relax and clear your mind, as well as a way to take care of the back pain you have suddenly acquired from awkwardly fitting that new stroller in the car or from building the nursery furniture.
Finally, when the big day starts to draw near, it’s a great idea to come in for pre-birth acupuncture to help prepare your body for labour. You can also come in as a couple to learn acupressure techniques, to help aid in pain relief for when it’s labour time.
Growing your family can be a crazy time, but acupuncture can help you find your balance so that you are ready for your new baby!
If you are pregnant and would like to try acupuncture, you can book an appointment with me.
–Dr. Cheryl Lee, TCMD, R.AC, B.SC EXHP