Fertility, pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal recovery are viewed in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a window of opportunity to enhance the woman’s overall well-being. Conversely, if adequate care is not taken the resulting issues may continue long after the birth of the child. Therefore, value and importance are placed on promoting preventive care to strengthen the mother (physically and mentally) and baby, as well as dealing with any issues as they occur throughout the journey of having a child.
There can be times where you do not feel there are many options to help you with some of the imbalances you are feeling.
Acupuncture can be used in a variety of ways to promote fetal and maternal health, as well as offers a safe, effective and drug-free option. Your body is going through so many changes, and we are here to help bring you back into alignment.
For more details regarding specific conditions and how acupuncture can help please continue reading below...
NAUSEA DURING PREGNANCY
Acupuncture is often very effective in reducing both the severity and incidence of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Research has shown that women receiving traditional acupuncture (where points were chosen according to an individual diagnosis) experienced faster relief when compared to those groups who did not receive acupuncture.
MUSCULAR AND SKELETAL PAIN
Back pain, rib pain, sciatica and symphysis pubis pain are common in pregnancy and can all be markedly reduced with acupuncture.
BREACH AND POSTERIOR BABIES
The ideal treatment of moxibustion at 34 –35 weeks has a significant effect in helping to turn breech babies, but can still be useful when used later in the pregnancy. Techniques can also help babies that are not in the optimal position prior to birth, such as those in a posterior position
HYPERTENSION
Acupuncture can have an important role in assisting to reduce high blood pressure, especially if treatment is commenced early when hypertension is first noted. The effectiveness of acupuncture will be reflected in the improved blood pressure readings and blood tests used by midwives and specialists to detect possible complications. As hypertension has the potential to escalate quickly, ongoing medical monitoring remains essential throughout pregnancy.
LABOUR PREPARATION
During the second and early part of the third trimester, it is recommended to start acupuncture treatments, to help support the mother and baby during the pregnancy. Then once patients are three to four weeks prior to the due date a treatment to prepare the pelvis and cervix can be commenced. This is followed by one treatment per week, and possibly two treatments per week closer to the due date until labour begins.
INDUCTION
Acupuncture can provide a gentle inducement to labour if the baby is overdue and can be an effective alternative to a medical induction.
PAIN RELIEF DURING LABOUR
Acupuncture offers drug-free alternatives for pain relief during labour, as well acupressure provides similar results with the advantage that support people can use it during labour.
OTHER PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
Treatment can be used to relieve a variety of conditions including:
Anemia
Anxiety
Constipation
Carpal Tunnel syndrome
Heartburn
Hemorrhoids
Insomnia
Edema
Headaches
Sinus problems
Threatened miscarriage
Tiredness and exhaustion
Thrush
POSTNATAL RECOVERY
Acupuncture has techniques to promote recovery; these include “mother warming” treatments that can be given by a partner, advice on diet and the use of specific strengthening and blood building herbs. Other conditions that can be helped by acupuncture include; insufficient lactation, wound healing and scar tissue repair, postnatal depression and urinary incontinence.
The list can go on and on regarding how acupuncture can help trying, expecting and new mothers. If you are or know someone who may be experiencing any of the issues listed above please connect with me and let's start the process of relieving some of the pain, the discomfort you may be feeling and get you back to living pain-free again!
For those entering the journey of motherhood, and those just new to it, I can help you as well through certain acupuncture points that nourish and strengthen your body to help heal any imbalances and optimize your body so it can look after yourself and your babe(s)!
Kelly