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Acupuncture during Pregnancy
For over 2500 years, acupuncture has become a integral component during pregnancy and post natal care of women. During the nine months of pregnancy various conditions can arise which can be safely and effectively treated with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine including herbs. To have an optimum pregnancy it is advisable to prepare your body before conception i.e. eat well, reduce stress, exercise, and make sure you are well rested. Once pregnant, it is still important to be well rested, follow a balanced diet and if possible don't overwork. To promote fetal development and mother’s health, it is recommended to have weekly acupuncture visits for the first trimester, decreasing the visits during the second trimester, and returning to weekly visits during the last trimester. This will help to improve the health of the baby, minimize congenital problems, and decrease colic, which makes for a stronger baby, and a healthier mother.
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Labor Preparation
Three weeks prior to expected delivery a treatment to prepare the pelvis and cervix is advised. This is followed by one to two treatments per week until labor commences. Research from France indicates that acupuncture induced labor this leads to a faster active phase of labor and a less complicated delivery.
Morning Sickness
Acupuncture is very effective in reducing both the severity and incidence of nausea and vomiting. In addition, Chinese herbs may be recommended.
Back Pain
Very common in the later stages of pregnancy, but again can be markedly reduced with acupuncture. Back pain in the early stages of pregnancy may expose an underlying back problem, which can be treated as well.
Threatened Miscarriage
If there is a prior history of miscarriage, there is much that acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can offer to help prevent this. However, if there are indications of threatened miscarriage there are some emergency acupuncture procedures that may be used.
Insomnia
This can have several causes and must be diagnosed carefully for the right category in order to choose the most appropriate point selection for acupuncture. Often treatment is to be combined with a range of at home acupressure program and other techniques available from your acupuncturist.
Hypertension
There are special treatments designed to bring this under control. Points are selected which have both a known effect to reduce high blood pressure and, are particular to your case.
Mal-position of the Fetus
If the baby is not in the best position prior to birth e.g. breech, or posterior position, there is a special technique which when applied at the right time can produce some remarkable results.
Post-natal Treatment
Pregnancy and labor deplete the woman's energy and blood so it is important to nourish these postnatal. This can be achieved by strengthening foods, such as chicken and ginger soup, nourishing acupuncture treatments and herbal tonics. An example of a herbal preparation is the very aptly named "Women's Precious Pills".
Post-natal Depression
This is a sign that the energy of the mother has been damaged during pregnancy and labor and needs special attention.
Anxiety and Fatigue
This arises usually as a complication of energy and blood depletion and responds well to acupuncture treatment.
Urinary Incontinence
In conjunction with pelvic floor exercises sometimes other treatment is required to help heal the pelvic floor muscles. Acupuncture will enable the woman to return to normal much faster.
Insufficient Lactation
Acupuncture is an effective treatment as the woman is in a weakened state and her body needs to be brought into balance.
Acupressure during Labor
Acupressure can be used during labor for pain relief and to encourage efficient labor.
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