Acupuncture and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a special time, a period of great transition that is full of joy and expectancy but it can also be a time of worry and anxiety when complications arise as they sometimes do.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective form of health-care used to alleviate many of the physical discomforts experienced during pregnancy. Acupuncture can also help new mums prepare their body, mind and emotional self so they are as ready as possible for the birth of their baby and for an efficient post-natal recovery.
From 35 weeks, acupuncture is used to help encourage the baby to engage, to ripen the cervix and to prepare for an efficient delivery. It also strengthens mum's body, mind and spirit to have an easy post-partum recovery.
There are many ways in which acupuncture can help you during pregnancy. There are specific points which are known to calm the mind and relieve anxiety (stress isn't good for you or your baby). Acupuncture is deeply relaxing and helps to promote internal balance as well as an outwardly balanced perspective.
Acupuncture also helps with the increased production of blood and other fluids in pregnancy. Acupuncture can be used to help to build blood and improve the blood flow to the uterus, boost your energy levels and relieve tiredness. It can also remedy some of the more common ailments of pregnancy like nausea, fatigue or backache. There are also many points that help prevent miscarriage.
See British Acupuncture Council Report on pregnancy
Acupuncture during pregnancy is effective for:
- Nausea
- Hypertension
- Breech and posterior babies
- Labour preparation
- Lower back pain
In the last few weeks of pregnancy it can help to prepare you for the birth in many ways. Overdue babies can be induced with acupuncture to help the labour advance acupuncture can turn breech babies, and prepare the body for an easier shorter, more comfortable birthing experience.
During childbirth acupuncture can help to support the woman and promote a calmer birthing experience, especially when used in combination with a doula, as it increases the efficiency of contractions whilst decreasing the pain and anxiety levels. Acupuncture can be used to induce the delivery of the placenta and there is also a reported reduction in blood loss.
If you do not wish to have an acupuncturist present at birth acu-pressure techniques can be taught to people so they can be used during the birth. These techniques can help reduce the pain experienced during labour.
See also doula
Post-partum acupuncture encourages the healing process and restores the mother’s health which is imperative for her own well being and for her ability to be present for her newborn. Among the conditions that acupuncture can address after birth are:
Promotes milk production
* helps with mood swings and alleviates postpartum Depression
* Postpartum vaginal discharge
* If there has been a caesarean section, acupuncture can help with the post operative healing.