In recent years there has been a debate whether or not acupuncture is safe during pregnancy. Not only is it safe, but it also relieves many of the uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy. Symptoms include morning sickness, headaches, back pain, and post-partum depression (PPD). These are just a few of the ailments that having acupuncture during pregnancy can help with, but they are the most common issues seen in pregnancy.
If the thought of being poked with needles scares you, let we can assure you that the treatment is actually very relaxing. A lot of expectant moms fall asleep during the treatment. Patients are usually surprised with how easy the process is and will actually look forward to the second session. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, a course of 2-4 weekly treatment is advised.
How Is Acupuncture Performed?
If you’ve never had acupuncture before, you may not know what to expect during your first appointment. Tiny acupuncture needles will be placed into specific acupuncture points that are known to help settle the stomach, decrease nausea, and support your baby. Usually, a course of about 4-6 acupuncture treatments are recommended, but most women note feeling better after the first few. Acupuncture is completely safe to do during pregnancy, and our acupuncturists in Fort Collins and Loveland administer this type of treatment all the time. You don’t need to suffer. Try Acupuncture before you try medication. It may be the answer for you. We are here to help you have a vibrant and healthy pregnancy.
If you have never tried acupuncture before, we also recommend scheduling it on a day that you do not have a big agenda because the treatment may leave you feeling relaxed and potentially tired. The needles are tiny, and you will be surprised how gentle acupuncture is! Most people feel little to nothing when the needles are inserted and report the treatment to be quite relaxing.
How Does Acupuncture Help with Morning Sickness?
Studies show that between 50-80% of women suffer from nausea during pregnancy. You don’t need to suffer. Did you know that Acupuncture is one of the best techniques to naturally lessen or do away with the symptoms of morning sickness? It’s true. In a study of 30 women receiving acupuncture treatments for two weeks, over 75% of them reported feeling much better within a few days.
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to smells and foods, lack of appetite, and a general feeling of malaise. It is common for women to experience morning sickness during their first trimester of pregnancy, but some women are plagued with it throughout their entire pregnancy. In many cases, the symptoms are not limited to the morning, either, but can carry out throughout the day and evening
Getting acupuncture to help pregnancy pain or morning sickness is a safe and effective option. Not only is acupuncture natural, but the effects on both mother and baby are nothing but positive. It lessens the severity, intensity, and frequency of the ailment. Acupuncture and acupressure show great relief in morning sickness and overall nausea during pregnancy. When used alongside of healthy diet, exercise, and regular medical check-ups, acupuncture can relieve pains of morning sickness.
In addition to reducing your nausea, getting acupuncture during pregnancy can also help to boost your energy levels and promote sounder sleep. If you have tried other remedies and you are tired of suffering, acupuncture is an excellent therapy to consider. We recommend acupuncture twice a week for two weeks to start, as well as increasing fluid intake, particularly ginger tea and miso soup.
Acupuncture Helps with Pregnancy Aches and Pain
During pregnancy, there are many changes happening and many different reasons as to why headaches in pregnancy happen. Acupuncture can help reduce these headaches and other pain. Tiny needles inserted into specific points on your body will help to increase circulation, reduce stress, and minimize inflammation. Whether you are suffering from a sore neck and shoulders from nursing, getting frequent headaches, or generally just feeling “off,” acupuncture can help you.
Acupuncture helps to relax your muscles, as well as to stimulate your brain to secrete neurochemicals that will leave you feeling more relaxed and at ease. Acupuncture can also help with lactation issues, so if this is something you need assistance with, we are here for you. Acupuncture is non-evasive, safe, and gentle. You will be so glad that you took the hour for yourself.
When dealing with women who have headaches or back pain in pregnancy or following birth, acupuncture guidelines are very strict. Also, pregnant women should not be worked on longer than an hour. However, acupuncture is very helpful to relieve these annoying symptoms of pregnancy and can be very helpful in relieving sciatica pain.
Breeched Babies Turned Using Acupuncture Therapy
Breeched babies are a common occurrence during pregnancies nearing birth. There are many ways to deal with turning babies to gain the proper position for the birthing process. One of the ways to turn babies is acupuncture. Acupuncture is a highly successful process for turning babies.
Acupuncture uses herbs and needling as ways to turn the baby. When receiving treatment for breeched babies, a needle is placed at the corner of the nail bed of the small toe. The needle is then topped with a burning ball of Mugwort (Moxa) herb. This warms the needle and creates an aroma that sooths and turns the baby. Although the phenomenon is unexplained, one can’t argue with the high percentage of success rates. Another way the Moxa scent is delivered is through a Moxa stick. The stick is rotated around the needled toe while smoldering. This process is done to both feet. Most babies turn within 3 days of starting treatment. If the baby turns, cease treatment because over-treating could cause the baby to turn back to a breeched position. At Scott Family Health, extreme caution is taken with pregnant patients. There are some exceptions to who can receive care. For instance, women who are expecting twins cannot receive treatment.
Acupuncture has been proven to turn a breeched baby and create a thriving environment for birth. At Scott Family Health, we have had several successes with turning breeched babies and aiding mothers in having a smooth labor and delivery.
Acupuncture for Depression During Pregnancy
Acupuncture can help with more than the physical effects of pregnancy. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression during pregnancy, acupuncture can help. Although pregnancy is supposed to be one of the happiest times in a woman’s life, up to 24% of pregnant women are affected by depression during pregnancy. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked and equated to hormone imbalance. Women with depression usually manifest some of the following symptoms for two weeks or more:
–Persistent sadness
–Recurring thoughts of helplessness, death or suicide
–Anxiety
–Sleeping too much or too little
–Difficulty concentrating
–Loss of interest in activities that one usually enjoys
–Feeling of guilt
Things like relationship problems, stressful life events, history of personal or family depression, and complications during pregnancy can trigger depression. If untreated, depression can lead to poor nutrition, drinking, or smoking, which ultimately hurt both mother and baby.
New studies show that having acupuncture to help pregnancy depression when combined with exercise, a good diet, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids, can be a safe and viable treatment option for depression during pregnancy.
Using Acupuncture to Treat Post-Partum Depression
After having a baby, your body goes through a multitude of changes both physically and emotionally. Many women fall into post-partum depression or PPD due to these changes. PPD includes having symptoms of depression after giving birth. Acupuncture can be a great way to get your body and hormones back into balance. It’s safe and drug-free, too.
Symptoms of PPD are elevated because of exhaustion and lack of sleep. Acupuncture is the perfect solution because it increases energy levels, blood flow, and stimulation of neurotransmitters.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’re pregnant and want a safe, natural way of dealing with morning sickness, aches, pains, depression, or simply want more energy to help you through the day, consider acupuncture. Please contact our acupuncture offices in Loveland or Fort Collins for more information and to make an appointment. Call 970-663-2225 today.