Acupuncture for Pregnancy, Labour, and Post Partum Delivery

Wondering if acupuncture can help throughout your pregnancy? Read on for more info!

Acupuncture is commonly used to treat:

-Nausea and vomiting

-Migraines

-Pre-existing ailments such as Sciatica, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ovarian Cysts and Fibroids

-Insomnia

-Leg Cramps

-Edema

-Pregnancy-induced hypertension

-Heartburn

-Breech Presentation

-Delayed or Prolonged Labour

-Post Partum Bleeding

-Post Partum Depression

-Hemorrhoids

-Recovery from caesarian or other surgery

-Insufficient lactation

-Mastitis

General tips on sailing through pregnancy and labour

During the first trimester, typical symptoms of nausea and vomiting from ‘morning sickness’ can be alleviated by eating small and frequent meals that are fairly bland in smell and taste. During this time, it is just as important to be well hydrated by drinking plenty of water-based fluids. Acupuncture and the use of wrist bands that work on specific acupressure points may also be helpful in controlling these symptoms. Throughout pregnancy, people with pre-existing physical ailments may be more prone to experiencing an aggravation of these conditions. Some examples are low back pain, sciatica, migraines, and pain arising from ovarian cysts or fibroids.

Your acupuncturist can address these and many more concerns. Common conditions that may affect women during the third trimester include insomnia, leg cramps, edema, pregnancy-induced hypertension, heartburn, fatigue, nasal congestion, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, stretch marks, varicose veins, altered vision, shortness of breath, anxiety of the impending delivery and stress over decision-making and last minute preparations prior to labour.

Consulting your primary care physician or midwife is necessary for all of these conditions so that you can be carefully monitored and addressed. Babies which are in breech presentation can often be turned using a form of heat therapy known as moxibustion. This method is safe and most effective when done by a licensed acupuncturist during the 32nd and 34th weeks of pregnancy. As you approach the impending delivery, acupuncture can be especially helpful for treating delayed or prolonged labour and labour pains. It can also encourage proper positioning of the baby as it descends into the birth canal.

Using different forms of meditative techniques such as Tai Qi, Qi Gong, and Yoga as well as visualization techniques and regular exercise can help keep you focused, calm and healthy during this period. Once baby is born, acupuncture can be especially helpful for treating post partum bleeding, complications from the labour and/ or methods used in the delivery as well as wound-healing from a caesarean, hemorrhoids, insufficient lactation, mastitis, and post-partum depression.