Acupuncture for Pregnancy

Congratulations, you are pregnant! It is more important than ever to take care of yourself and the little life growing inside you. Chinese Medicine views pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum as a unique time in a woman's life where there is opportunity to greatly enhance a woman's well-being. Used by women for centuries in pregnancy care and postpartum recovery, Chinese Medicine is a safe, natural and drug-free form of treatment suitable for pregnancy-related ailments. Over the course of your pregnancy, many changes in your body might cause discomfort or other common conditions. Here is a list of common conditions we often treat during pregnancy, in labor and postpartum:

• 1st trimester
• Morning Sickness
• Fatigue
• Colds/Flu
• Anxiety/Stress
• Threatened miscarriage

• 2nd trimester
• Heartburn
• Digestive problems
• Fatigue
• Back pain/Sciatica
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
• Leg cramps

• 3rd trimester
• Labor Preparation
• Breech Baby
• Constipation
• Edema
• Pelvic Pain
• Insomnia

Pre-Birth Acupuncture Treatment

This is a series of four weekly treatments given from week 36 or 37 of pregnancy to prepare your body for an efficient labor. Acupuncture points are chosen based on your pregnancy history and constitution. These treatments aim to help position the baby optimally for labor, promote energy/stamina for your upcoming labor and to help ripen the cervix.

Childbirth

Acupuncture before and during labor can can aid in a healthy, natural birth. Acupuncture is a drug-free way to stimulate stalled labor, relax the pelvis and increase cervical ripening. It is also effective in managing pain, reducing stress and lowering high blood pressure. By helping labor to progress, acupuncture can reduce the need for medical interventions.

Postpartum

Chinese Medicine places great emphasis on the importance of good nutrition and plenty of rest during the postpartum period. Pregnancy and childbirth often leave moms feeling tired and depleted. The postnatal time is one of great vulnerability. Too much activity, poor diet and too little rest can further deplete the body and delay healing. Care focuses on the physical and emotional changes a woman faces after having a baby. For women who are recovering from a C-section, acupuncture is helpful to reduce pain and numbness in the abdominal area from the incision and scar. Postpartum conditions treated include: