Acupuncture during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most exciting and anxious time for every woman. During this period you need to stay fit and healthy. Acupuncture eases the process of childbirth and lets you de-stress and feel relaxed. You may be having a doubt whether acupuncture is safe during pregnancy, and if it okay to stick needles in your body? The answer is yes, acupuncture during pregnancy is safe because acupuncture is a traditional, drug-free technique that is being used to energize the nervous system. It is safe and effectual in all phases of pregnancy and heals all the common symptoms that develop during pregnancy.

Acupuncture uses hair-thin disposable needles to stimulate the blood flow to the uterus and hence provides ample amounts of oxygen and necessary nutrients to the baby. It boosts good health for both mother and child and makes the nine months pleasant and comfortable for a woman. Acupuncture promotes production of blood and necessary fluids, leading to easy functioning of internal organs. According to research, receiving acupuncture once a week in the last month of pregnancy can reduce pain during the labor and delivery process more as compared to those women who don't receive it. A single session of this therapy lasts for about 45 minutes and it is pain-free. For best results, it should be given monthly up to the last month of pregnancy.

Some of the benefits of acupuncture and conditions that acupuncture treats during the various phases of pregnancy are:

First Trimester: In the first phase of pregnancy, acupuncture reduces symptoms, like, morning sickness, nausea, vomiting and migraine. Acupuncture actually enhances blood production and necessary substances. It basically removes the stress causing toxins from the body, thus helping the body to relax. It also helps to fight against fatigue.

Second Trimester: In the second trimester, women experience a lot of changes in the body due to the growth of the baby. This causes back pain and variation of posture. Acupuncture actually heals these conditions and also gives relief from heartburn, hemorrhoids, anxiety and depression.

Third Trimester: Acupuncture is beneficial right until the last phase of pregnancy. It helps to cope up with the symptoms of back pain, sciatica, joint pain and actually prepares a mother to be for birthing procedure.

Labor: Acupuncture reduces the pain a woman goes through during her labor process. It basically provides easier, smoother and shorter labor for women. It helps to control high blood pressure (Pre-eclampsia) and reduces the anxiety levels thus bringing down pain. Acupuncture also helps to induce labor in case of delayed labor.

Postpartum: It helps a woman to recover and get relief from the birth process and boosts the energy levels. It also helps to cope with lactation problems and postpartum depression in women.

Acupuncture has been used to stimulate fertility and to treat infertility conditions also. According to studies, there is a higher chance of getting pregnant when IVF treatment is given along with acupuncture, rather than only IVF treatment. Acupuncture is also used to treat cervical leakage during pregnancy.

It is always advisable that a pregnant woman choose a licensed and experienced acupuncturist for availing this treatment. There is a major risk of labor occurring during pregnancy, in case acupuncture is not applied properly.

Acupuncture during pregnancy is used as a complementary treatment, since it does not cause harmful side effects. It allows a pregnant woman to have positive feelings and creates a healthy environment for the baby. Overall, acupuncture during pregnancy results in relief from stress for both the mother and the baby.