Can you use acupuncture for pregnancy and symptoms?
Trying to conceive, then going through pregnancy, delivery and newborn stages can be incredibly stressful. Most people experience stress and symptoms during at least one of these parenthood stages, if not all! That’s where acupuncture comes in. Using acupuncture for pregnancy, from pre-conception through post-partum, can do so much to help both the success of the pregnancy and the comfort of the entire family. And all without medicine or invasive treatments!
Acupuncture for Fertility
Over seven million women have fertility issues and many of them seek fertility assistance. Why not turn to acupuncture? Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are widely used throughout the world to enhance fertility, specifically in the United States, Asia and Europe. Chinese Medicine works to naturally prepare a woman for pregnancy by:
- Regulating the menstrual cycle and hormones
- Increasing blood flow to reproductive organs
- Reducing stress, anxiety and depression
- Warming the uterus to provide a conducive environment for egg development
It’s ideal to start acupuncture treatments up to six months before conception, continuing three months into pregnancy. With treatments once or twice a week, the cost is just a few thousand dollars – much less than invasive testing and fertility procedures. But acupuncture is a great complement to Western medicine and treatments. In fact, it can increase IVF success rates by up to 26%. Acupuncture can also boost fertility in men.
Acupuncture for Pregnancy
Moms-to-be follow strict guidelines on what treatments, medicines and even foods to avoid for the safety of their baby. Acupuncture is a safe treatment to not only help support the pregnancy, but also to alleviate symptoms. Acupuncture and herbs can warm and nourish the uterus to help prevent miscarriage, while also alleviating morning sickness and fatigue. As a woman gets further into her pregnancy and symptoms become stronger, acupuncture can be used to manage edema, back pain, insomnia, digestive problems, gestational diabetes and delayed labor. Some women even attribute a shorter and more productive labor to receiving acupuncture treatments in their third trimester.
Of course it is very important to use acupuncture and herbs as an adjunct treatment to standard medical practice – not instead of. Also make sure the practitioner is not only licensed in acupuncture and herbs, but has had advanced training in obstetrics. There are points and herbs that are forbidden for women in many stages of conception.
Post-Partum Relief
Acupuncture can play a very positive role in managing a mother’s symptoms and recovery after having a baby. The combination of acupuncture and supplements works to rebuild nutrients for mom and baby. Specifically, Chinese Medicine can assist with depression and anxiety relief, insufficient lactation, insomnia, anemia, fatigue, hemorrhoids and urinary incontinence.
With all of these positive outcomes, why not try acupuncture for pregnancy and symptoms? Acupuncture is an ancient, natural and unique treatment that has virtually no side effects and is medicine-free – perfect for women getting ready to conceive all the way through nursing. If you are thinking about having a baby, are pregnant, or have a bouncing newborn baby at home, contact Linda Lofaro at WholeSelf Acupuncture for a complimentary consultation. Acupuncture for pregnancy can do wonders for the entire family!
