OBSTETRICS
Receiving acupuncture treatment is a safe and gentle way to optimize your health during pregnancy. From preventing some types of miscarriage to relieving pain, nausea, constipation and preparing you for labor and delivery, we will safely help you through any stage of your pregnancy.
MORNING SICKNESS
Controlled clinical research studies have shown acupuncture is an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy. Acupuncture has long been used as a treatment for nausea. In fact, Sea-Bands, which are commonly recommended for motion sickness, are effective because they stimulate the acupuncture point P6. Acupuncture performed during pregnancy by licensed and experienced practitioners is completely safe and effective.
PREGNANCY FATIGUE
Many women experience fatigue during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. Most of our patients receiving acupuncture report improvement in energy levels, and it is especially noticed during pregnancy.
PREGNANCY BACK PAIN
Back pain can be a common experience during pregnancy as the baby starts to put pressure on the back and pelvis. Acupuncture is widely accepted as an effective treatment for back pain, and is particularly effective for back and hip pain related to pregnancy. It is best to treat this type of pain as soon as it starts to develop, as it can worsen as the baby grows. Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and can help resolve pain in any part of the back, neck, shoulders and hips, including sciatica.
PREGNANCY SWELLING
Water retention and swelling is a common problem during pregnancy and can be helped with regular acupuncture treatments. We can also recommend simple dietary and lifestyle changes to assist fluid metabolism in the body for the remainder of the pregnancy.
BREECH BABY
At around 34 to 37 weeks gestation, a fetus becomes positioned for birth with its head down. When not positioned this way, it is considered a breech presentation. By using acupuncture and moxibustion (the warming of a specific acupuncture point with an herbal incense), babies turn into the correct position 69%-85% of the time.
LABOR PREPARATION
Acupuncture has been used to assist women during labor for thousands of years in Asia. Recent studies have shown using acupuncture as labor induction can reduce medical inductions by 35%-40%, the use of epidural by 31% and emergency cesareans by 32%. This type of treatment is completely safe and should be started at around week 37.
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Acupuncture can be very effective for postpartum depression. After giving birth, the body goes through hormonal changes that can manifest both physically and mentally. Acupuncture can help moderate these hormonal changes and smooth this transition.
POSTPARTUM RECOVERY
After giving birth, women can benefit greatly from acupuncture treatment. We often help women who are experiencing constipation, urinary and pelvic floor problems, insomnia, back pain, hip pain, low milk supply, carpal tunnel, night sweats, postpartum depression or fatigue associated with the postpartum time.
LACTATION SUPPORT
There are specific acupuncture points and Chinese herbs that can increase the milk production in lactating women. We can also discuss dietary and lifestyle changes to support healthy milk supply.