Acupuncture & Pregnancy FAQ.
By Kari Pettersen
Is Acupuncture safe in Pregnancy?
Yes, if Acupuncture is administered by a Registered Acupuncturist ( College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta) and as long as certain points are avoided in pregnancy than acupuncture can greatly enhance your pregnancy.
What conditions can Acupuncture treat?
Nausea and vomiting
Heartburn
Constipation
Varicose Veins, Haemorrhoids and Vulval Varicosities
Urinary Tract Infections
Musculoskeletal Conditions such as rib pain, symphysis pubis pain, upper neck and back pain, lower back and sciatica pain, carpal tunnel and leg cramps.
Fatigue and Exhaustion
Anemia ( can help the body absorb iron supplements more effectively)
Insomnia
Anxiety and Depression
Itching
Sinusitis
Oedema
Pre- Birth Treatment
Induction
Labour
How many treatments should one expect?
Depending on the severity and length of the condition one can typically expect about 8- 10 treatments.
Can Acupuncture be used as a pre-birth treatment?
Yes, acupuncture can be used to help women prepare for childbirth. Studies have shown that women who have pre-birth acupuncture report a reduced rate of medical intervention as well as a reduction in the duration of labour. Weekly visits start from 36-37 weeks and continue until labour. If the woman goes over her due date then points can be done to help induce labour. Click here to read more on the pre-birth plan.
How can Acupuncture help women stay healthy during each stage of pregnancy?
First Trimester
During the first trimester acupuncture can help calm the mind and help prevent miscarriage. Treatments for morning sickness and fatigue are common which are thought to be brought on by rapid levels of hormones such as HCG and oestrogen at this time.
Second Trimester
Acupuncture in the second trimester can help induce relaxation and promote sleep, which can help with inflammation markers and keep blood glucose in check. Sleep restriction has the capacity to adversely affect glucose homeostasis.
Third Trimester
In the third trimester acupuncture can be used as a pre birth plan. Treatments may be applied if baby is not in the ideal position or if there is stress and fear. Acupuncture can help decrease stress to allow proper oxytocin and endorphins to be released for labour. It has been reported by midwives that they see changes in the cervix, baby positions and emotional changes. Many women also find it mentally beneficial to be proactive in this stage of their pregnancy. The positive effects from the pre birth plan also extend to postnatal as oxytocin and endorphins help release prolactin, useful in bonding and breastfeeding.
How Can Acupuncture help women postnatal?
Treatments can help women recover from childbirth through moxibustion, diet therapy and acupuncture. Conditions that can be treated are
Persistant uterine bleeding
After pains ( abdominal pain after childbirth)
Night Sweating
Perineal Discomfort
Breast Feeding Problems (insufficient lactation)
Postnatal Depression
Source
Betts, D. (2006). The essential guide to acupuncture in pregnancy and childbirth. Hove, East Sussex, UK :The Journal of Chinese Medicine Ltd.
Betts, D (2020). The complete A to Z guide to using acupuncture in pregnancy and childbirth. Retrieved from https://www.healthyseminars.com/course/z-guide-using-acupuncture-pregnancy-and-childbirth/takecourse.