Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body goes through many hormonal and physiological changes. The rapid increase in estrogen and progesterone, along with our state of health prior to conception, can lead to morning sickness, heartburn, constipation and pain. Additionally there might be issues with sleep, or anxiety and depression. And since pregnancy limits the types of medications you can take, many moms-to-be are running to their acupuncturists to get some relief when Tylenol, ginger chews or Unisom are just not enough.
Acupuncture can be used safely during all three trimesters to ensure a comfortable and healthy pregnancy. Not only is it safe during pregnancy but it can also be very effective in relieving the symptoms mentioned below throughout your 9 plus months of carrying babe close to home.
Here are some pregnancy symptoms that acupuncture and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) can address:
# 1: Morning Sickness
There are empirical acupuncture points that support digestion and calm nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Depending on the severity of the nausea, several treatments per week may be necessary . Applying firm pressure or a sea sickness band to acupuncture point Pericardium 6, which is located on the palm side of the wrist a couple of inches toward the body in between two tendons is a great way to self-treat when nausea surfaces.
#2: Back Pain & Sciatica
Both of these may occur separately or together and typically increase as your body grows and changes throughout pregnancy. Acupuncture and cupping can alleviate these sensations by gently moving energy in the lower back, hip and leg areas.
#3: Depression/Anxiety
It is not uncommon to suffer from some form of depression or anxiety while pregnant as these affect nearly 1 in 4 women. Women who have acupuncture that specifically addresses depression and/or anxiety experience a drop in the severity of their symptoms.
# 4: Headaches
The main cause of headaches during pregnancy are hormones, though there are also other causes such as high blood pressure, dehydration and sinus congestion. Acupuncture can help lessen the severity of your headaches by regulating hormones, moving your Qi (your vital energy) and addressing the underlying cause of these headaches.
#5: Sleep Problems
Everyone keeps telling you to “get your sleep now” but if your heartburn and leg cramps are flaring up at night, that’s easier said than done. Acupuncture can help alleviate those physical discomforts, and also help calm the mind allowing for a more peaceful, sound rest.
These are just a handful of symptoms that may pop up during your pregnancy. If any others arise, always address everything with your OBGYN and/or midwife and acupuncturist. It can take a team by your side to help you throughout this miraculous time.
