Acupuncture and Pregnancy

Acupuncture provides affordable, drug-free treatment for many of the conditions of pregnancy, thus giving both you and your baby a safe choice as you prepare for childbirth.

Morning Sickness
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for morning sickness. An Australian study also found that, among the many benefits of acupuncture, it was particularly effective in relieving morning sickness.

Lower Back Pain
Up to three quarters of all pregnant women are affected by lower back pain. Both the NIH and the World Health Organization (WHO) have determined that acupuncture is an effective treatment for lower back pain.

Hypertension (high blood pressure)
According to an article from the Medical News Archives at WebMD, studies done at the University of California, College of Medicine have shown that acupuncture has a specific effect on the control of blood pressure. Using acupuncture as an alternative to medication for the control of high blood pressure eliminates the complications of medication side effects.

Edema (swelling of hands and feet)
As the months of pregnancy progress, excess water may accumulate in the body causing edema. When unacceptable levels of swelling occur, the conventional treatment for edema may include a lengthy period of bed rest. Acupuncture provides a way to treat the edema and avoid the lifestyle implications of bed rest.

Allergies
During pregnancy, it is not unusual to develop allergic reactions to a variety of environmental stimuli. Acupuncture is a drug-free way to reduce or eliminate these allergic reactions.

Labor and induction assistance
When the baby is ready, acupuncture can be used to stimulate contractions and induce labor thus avoiding the need for pitocin and/or other labor inducing drugs.

Postpartum assistance
In addition to restoring energy levels after the stress of birth, acupuncture can be used to alleviate depression, anxiety or postpartum pain. Regular acupuncture promotes vitality and creates a strong source of energy for daily living.

To learn more about how acupuncture can support your body through your pregnancy, contact us to schedule your appointment.