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Pregnancy related complaints and acupuncture

Acupuncture has a long history of safe and effective treatment protocols during pregnancy. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for treating pregnancy related health complaints such as morning sickness and breech presentations. Women receiving regular acupuncture have also been shown to have had consistently reduced labour times (Betts, Lennox, 2006).

Before Conception:

Several recent studies showed that acupuncture can increase chances of conception, sometimes by as much as 65% (Manheimer et al, 2008). It helps a couple to produce healthy eggs and sperm, relieves stress and regulates the menstrual cycle. All these are important for conception. Research shows that women who became pregnant after receiving acupuncture treatment have healthier pregnancies, fewer miscarriages and easier labours.

The First Trimester (0-12 weeks):

Acupuncture during this time helps to reduce the risk of miscarriage, eases morning sickness, helps excessive fatigue, aids digestion, lifts depression and anxiety.

The Second Trimester (13-28 weeks):

During the second trimester acupuncture treatment helps to relieve pregnancy related ailments such as heartburn, swelling, sleeping difficulties, back ache, sinusitis, symphysis pubis disorder.

The Third Trimester (28-40 weeks):

As well as treating the same pregnancy related complaints that occur in the second trimester, acupuncture is extremely successful at turning breech birth presentations (optimum time for treatment is around 34 weeks gestation) and preparing your body for birth. Acupuncture can also be used for natural induction of labour. A recent study found that acupuncture given in the last few weeks of pregnancy resulted in 35% reduction in the number of inductions, 31% reduction in epidurals and 32% reduction in emergency caesareans (Betts, Lennox, 2006). Another study found that 75% of breech babies turn using acupuncture (Cardini, 1998).

Birth:

Acupuncture can relieve labour pains, help the contractions become more efficient, smooth the transition between the first and second stages of labour, help with the delivery of the placenta, prevent excessive blood loss. Training in acupressure for pain relief can be also provided.

Post-natal:

After delivery acupuncture can improve milk supply, alleviate post-natal depression, reduce tiredness, encourage the healing process, help you return to your normal pre-pregnancy weight.