I get asked that question often, and it’s understandable. This is a precarious time for you and your munchkin, as your body does what it does to take care of yourself and the life you’re supporting.
Not only is acupuncture completely safe, it’s recommended!
One of the oldest medical texts in the world comes from ancient China, and it focuses on OB/Gyn care, and treating issues that come up during pregnancy and labor.
Acupuncture itself, when done by a licensed professional, is safe, effective and usually deeply relaxing. It’s safe throughout all stages of pregnancy, and is especially recommended in the first trimester for issues such as morning sickness, fatigue, threatened miscarriage, and constipation.
It addresses these concerns by sending subtle signals to the body to correct various imbalances, regulating the body as a whole. It’s very calming to the nervous system, and can help to regulate digestion and even sleep cycles. Because of its effect on stress and hormone production, acupuncture is a very helpful therapy for alleviating all issues related to pregnancy.
In the following trimesters, acupuncture is effectively and safely used to alleviate physical pains and discomforts as the baby grows, as well as prepare the body for an easy labor.
It can even assist in turning a breech baby and inducing a stubborn labor. We generally recommend having a regular acupuncture routine by 32 weeks to help the body to prepare for labor as it usually takes a few treatments for the full effects of acupuncture to last, and these weeks before labor give us time to really help the body to shift into balance.
During an acupuncture treatment, of course there are other considerations that we use. Certain areas on the body, such as the abdomen and lower back, are avoided, and your body is more sensitive to acupuncture during pregnancy, so we limit the number of points used. Otherwise, there are countless ways to keep you nested and comfortable during treatment; acupuncture can be done while you’re laying on your side, or in a gentle reclining position.
The other wonderful effect that acupuncture offers during pregnancy is scheduled rest time.
Especially as the pregnancy reaches the end stage, the acu-nap becomes more vital. This is the time when you’re on the acupuncture table and able to rest for about an hour. Many people fall asleep during treatment, and get the much needed recharge that waking up throughout the night usually denies them.
Acupuncture is a safe, reliable, and drug free way to alleviate many of your pregnancy symptoms, and get you the nap you need to recharge and take care of the both of you.