Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Why should I get Acupuncture during Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is an exciting and wonderful time. However, with the many physical and hormonal changes that occur, it can also be a time of discomfort. Many pregnant women suffer from fatigue, nausea, backache and other conditions that are considered a "normal" part of pregnancy. Acupuncture is a safe, gentle and effective way to address these complaints, especially since many Western medications can't be used during this time.
Regular acupuncture during pregnancy sets the foundation for a healthy mother and baby. In addition, women who receive acupuncture during pregnancy often have a shorter and easier birth experience than women who don't receive acupuncture. Several European studies concluded that women who received acupuncture once a week during the last month of pregnancy had significantly shorter labor than women who did not receive any acupuncture.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Conditions Treated
Some of the conditions that acupuncture can treat are:
| morning sickness, nausea | insomnia |
| low energy | anemia |
| anxiety/depression | constipation |
| heartburn | back pain and sciatica |
| symphysis pubis pain | carpal tunnel syndrome |
| gestational diabetes | high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) |
| certain types of threatened miscarriage | pre-term labor |
| breech presentation | labor pain |
| delayed labor | postpartum depression |
| lactation problems |
Is Acupuncture Safe during Pregnancy?
Yes. Prenatal acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help patients support a healthy pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery. An Australian study conducted by Adelaide University in 2002 found that acupuncture during pregnancy had no adverse effects and was completely safe when done by a trained acupuncturist. You may have heard that some acupuncture points are forbidden during pregnancy. This is true - certain points are to be avoided during pregnancy as they may stimulate uterine contractions. However, a licensed acupuncturist will know which points can safely be used and which should be avoided. Also, all pregnant patients are seen regularly throughout their pregnancy by an OB/Gyn or midwife, which allows the acupuncturist to be well informed of any complications or health issues.
General Treatment Plan for Pregnancy
Acupuncture during the first trimester focuses on setting the foundation for a healthy pregnancy. Treatments are given to prevent miscarriage and to address any early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue.
Acupuncture during the second trimester aims to maintain balance and offer relief from many of the common complaints of pregnancy. Patients may come one to two times per month if the pregnancy is uncomplicated and there are no complaints. If addressing a certain issue, patients may need to come more frequently.
Acupuncture during the third trimester prepares the body for labor and delivery. Treatment is given for breech presentation between weeks 32-36. Treatment for labor induction can be given anytime after week 39 if there are no complications with the pregnancy. Studies show that women who receive regular acupuncture during the third trimester typically have shorter and more productive labor.
Breech Presentation
The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for breech presentation has been used for thousands of years and carries no risk to the mother or baby. It is generally done between weeks 32-36, when there is still enough room for the baby to turn, although it can be attempted later in pregnancy as well. The method involves burning the herb mugwort (a treatment called moxabustion) directly onto or over an acupuncture point on the foot. When successful, the baby will turn within 24 hours of the treatment.
In a 1998 Italian study, 130 women with breech presentation had daily moxabustion treatments during the 35th week of gestation. The study showed a 75% success rate in turning the breech babies head down. In a Japanese study conducted in 2000, 357 women had daily moxabustion, with a very impressive 92.5% correction rate.
Labor Induction
Acupuncture for labor induction is safe for both the mother and baby as long as there are no serious complications with the pregnancy. It is most effective starting the week of the baby's due date. Several studies show a success rate of over 70%.
Labor induction with acupuncture stimulates uterine contractions and softens the cervix. The treatment starts a hormonal process which stimulates the mother's body to release prostaglandins and oxytocin, the natural hormone that Pitocin mimics. As a result, it is a much more gentle and natural process than Western induction. Because of this, the effects are not instantaneous, as they are in Western induction. Depending on how far into pre-labor the mother's body is determines the number of treatments needed. Some women only need one or two treatments, while others may need several treatments for real labor to start.