Pregnancy
Acupuncture during pregnancy is a safe and effective natural approach to help strengthen and prepare mothers as well as ease common pregnancy-related symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, morning sickness, low back/hip/pelvic pain, labor preparation, breech babies, and the postpartum season.
There are 360 points on the body, some having similar and different functions. Evidence shows when needling into specific points on the body it stimulates the nervous system which causes biochemical changes, such as the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, influencing the body and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Acupuncture for labor induction
As long as you have had a healthy pregnancy and your OBGYN approves, it is safe to start treatments at 38-39 weeks.
Pre-birth acupuncture prepares a woman’s body for labor by toning and nourishing the body. The acupuncture points help to relax and soften uterine ligaments and bring blood flow to the pelvis. This helps baby to descend into the birth canal in the proper position while preparing the cervix to soften/dilate and the uterine muscles to effectively contract when needed.
Acupuncture increases prostaglandin levels and placental estrogens, which initiate labor, as well as a hormone called relaxin, which relaxes the cervix muscle for dilation. In inducing labor it is thought to stimulate the uterus for cervical ripening.
Electrical stimulation called the E-stim machine can be used in treatment with acupuncture needles to help further stimulate these points.
Acupuncture/Acupressure also helps with reducing pain in labor, increasing labor contractions, breech presentation, facilitating labor, inducing labor, and relaxing the mind and body.
Acupuncture will not cause labor before the baby is ready to be delivered. It works on the mother's body, preparing the body to be as ready and supported when baby is ready to trigger the labor process.
FAQs
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Everybody's body responds differently, so there is no guarantee. Birth is a natural process, so no matter how much walking, acupuncture, drinking castor oil, and all the natural remedies..your baby is going to come when he or she is ready and when your body is ready. In saying all this, there have been many success stories from women all around the world using acupuncture. Another great benefit pregnant women usually receive from treatment is "relaxation", I've had many moms tell me, how much acupuncture helped prepare them for birth, less anxious and more in a relaxed state of mind.
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Depending on how close you are to the due date (or what I like to call “guess date”) determines how often you should be seen for treatments. If you’re within a week of your due date, due now, or overdue, acupuncture is recommended every day. While more is better, that isn't always feasible, so how often is really based upon what works for you. I do offer at-home visits for my pregnant patients so they can be comfortable in their own environment.
Acupuncture home visits
This offering is beneficial for pregnancy support, labor and birth, postpartum recovery, or if you would like the convenience of receiving acupuncture in the comfort of your own home. These treatments are available to established clients. Please reach out by email or phone to schedule.
