Having just come back from the birth of our second son, I’ve been thinking a lot about the ways that acupuncture has helped me through two pregnancies. Since becoming a mother, I have heard horror stories of the trials of pregnancy that other mothers have experienced, many of which I was able to avoid thanks to regular treatments.
For many women, the first indicator of a pregnancy is morning sickness. Some mothers have an even more severe form called hyperemesis. Acupuncture, especially frequent acupuncture, can calm the stomach and eliminate nausea, even in cases of hyperemesis. The real key is frequency. If a pregnant patient can make the time to come daily for several days, the results and relief will be quick (this is where our sliding scale comes in handy; you can feel better without going broke).
Headaches are another common complaint and often begin in the first trimester. Again, the key is frequency of treatment, but acupuncture is able to effectively reduce the prevalence of or eliminate these headaches all together. Next on the list of aches comes the hips and back. As the baby grows, the mother’s pelvis expands. Supporting ligaments are made loose and less stable. All of this results in pain, often described as sciatica. Depending on the severity of the pain and when the mother begins treatments, frequent treatment is not as important here. Most pregnant patients experience relief after one or two treatments and return only for maintenance as their symptoms return (also, what saved my hips and back during both pregnancies, was the Leechco All Nighter Total Body pillow; your significant other may not have room in the bed, but you will be much happier!). Later in pregnancy, acupuncture can help relieve heartburn, swelling, and dizziness. Is the baby presenting breech? Acupuncture can help with that as well. Overdue and hoping to avoid chemical induction? There are points for that.
What about after baby arrives? Acupuncture can help with milk supply, post partum anxiety and depression, aches and pains, c-section recovery, mastitis, and plugged ducts. We can even give you more sleep as you take a well deserved nap in one of our recliners.
Acupuncture is completely safe for both mom and baby. There are a few points which are not to be used while expecting, but any trained and licensed acupuncturist will know to avoid them during treatment. We firmly believe that pregnancy should be a joyful time.
So, if you’re expecting, congratulations! Now schedule an appointment so you can be sure to enjoy everything this time in your life has to offer.