Acupuncture and Pregnancy

Acupuncture is quickly becoming an increasingly popular treatment both in private practice and in hospitals for many pregnancy related conditions.  Through both my extensive research of clinical trials and years of private practice in treating pregnant women, I have found acupuncture not only to be a safe but effective in treating many pregnancy related conditions. This is why I devote a large part of my time at my practice to pregnancy support.

Q: What sort of conditions can be treated with acupuncture in pregnancy?

The list of ailments that can be treated with acupuncture during pregnancy is vast. The five most common conditions that I see in the clinic are: Morning

Sickness, Reflux, Fatigue, Musculoskeletal and Oedema

Morning Sickness - is by far the most common presentation particularly in early pregnancy. However the term morning sickness can be a misnomer, as many patients will have this feeling all the time. Morning sickness is said to occur in 50% of all pregnancies and generally lasts from the sixth week to the sixteenth. This can be either nausea and or vomiting and both of these conditions respond well to acupuncture treatment.

Reflux – Reflux is very common particularly in the later stages as the uterus and baby are pushing on the stomach. Many of my patients have responded well to reflux treatments with acupuncture and don’t have to sleep being propped up by 5 pillows after the acupuncture.

Fatigue – This can occur any time during the pregnancy but is more noticeable in the first three months and many of my patients refer to this as a “crippling fatigue.” They simply did not think that the fatigue would be as intense. Fatigue is thought to be caused by the growth of the placenta and coping with the hormone changes occurring in the body during that time.

Fatigue also tends to return in the later stages of the pregnancy as the woman is carrying between 10-14 kilograms of extra weight. This fatigue is compounded by getting poor sleep with frequent interruptions of having to go to the toilet at night and the fact that she can not get comfortable. In combination with the acupuncture and Chinese Medicine the patient needs to try to get adequate rest and eat correctly.

Musculoskeletal Conditions – These may vary from neck & shoulder pain, back pain, sciatica, rib and hip discomfort, pelvic pain and many of these conditions respond well to acupuncture. These conditions are considered normal and many women feel that they have to put up with pain when they are pregnant.

The truth is that you do not have to put up with pain while pregnant. Acupuncture is very effective in treating pain.

The truth is that you do not have to put up with pain while pregnant, because acupuncture is very effective in treating pain. It is important that women receiving acupuncture for some of these conditions get the  appropriate rest to gain the maximum benefit from their treatment.  Women also need to realise that just because they have experienced a lessening in their symptoms, the underlying problem may not be resolved until the baby is born.

Oedema – Many women experience swelling in their hands, feet, ankles, legs and may often present with sinus problems as everything is swollen. The oedema in the feet at the ankles will be worse at the end of the day and after long periods of standing. There is not a lot we can do about gravity. However this swelling usually goes with rest overnight. Mild oedema is considered normal but if it does not subside overnight or suddenly gets worse it should require medical monitoring. The oedema can lead to pregnancy induced hypertension or preeclampsia. These are serious conditions and require constant monitoring.  They can result in an early induction of the baby.

Patients with mild oedema tend to come for treatments in the later stages of pregnancy. The treatment is focused on the management of the symptoms, as this oedema should resolve once the baby is born

Acupuncture has effective treatments for other pregnancy related conditions such as: constipation, haemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, anaemia, insomnia, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression and itching.  All these conditions are considered a normal part of being pregnant, but they don’t have to be.

Acupuncture is also very effective at Inducing Labour

Contact us here to find out how Positive Balance Natural Health can help you through your pregnancy