On top of that is the fact that there are real limitations for pregnant women when considering treatment options simply due to safety when considering their unborn child. Acupuncture however has proven to be a safe and effective treatment option to help alleviate a variety of symptoms for expectant mothers.
Pregnancy is an Exciting Time for New Mothers
Pregnancy is a period of anticipation, change, and excitement. However, for many women, pregnancy is also a period of uncertainty and stress. Both physical and emotional obstacles can be difficult to get on top of for some pregnant women, leaving them feeling anxious and overwhelmed. The good news is that Acupuncture can aid in the management of symptoms in a number of these conditions.
How Does Acupuncture Work During Pregnancy?
Acupuncture stimulates specific points in the body to activate the nervous system, regulate hormones, and reduce inflammation.
Specifically, Acupuncture can help with many different symptoms related to pregnancy including:
1. Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is one of the most prevalent and incapacitating pregnancy symptoms, affecting up to 80% of expecting mums. It is characterised by nausea and vomiting, which can make the thought of eating unappealing. Despite its prevalence, the specific cause of morning sickness is unknown, but it is considered to be associated with increased hormone levels, such as HCG which rises fast and peaks between 8-12 weeks gestation, and thus so does morning sickness.
The physical and mental burden of morning sickness may leave pregnant mums feeling exhausted, restless, and depleted of energy.
Morning sickness is improved with Acupuncture by its effect to decrease stress and anxiety, improve appetite and regulate the digestive system to decrease the impact of HCG which is a massive contributor to morning sickness.
2. Fatigue
Pregnancy fatigue is a common symptom experienced by many expectant mothers during the first and third trimesters. It can be attributed to hormonal changes, such as increased levels of progesterone, as well as physical changes such as an increase in blood volume and the extra weight of the growing foetus.
The impact of pregnancy fatigue can be significant, leaving expectant mothers feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, and unable to carry out daily activities which can further exacerbate fatigue. Pregnancy related stress and anxiety can also impact the quality of sleep, leading to sleep disturbances and insomnia, which can make the fatigue worse.
Acupuncture helps reduce fatigue during pregnancy by improving blood circulation, boosting the immune system, and regulating the nervous system to improve sleep quality and energy levels.
3. Headaches
Headaches are one of the most frequent symptoms observed during pregnancy. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, an increase in blood volume and physical stress can all contribute to headaches and migraines. Unfortunately, many of the standard over-the-counter and prescription medications used to alleviate headaches are contraindicated for pregnant women.
Acupuncture can help decrease headaches and migraine-related pain and discomfort. By stimulating certain points in the body, Acupuncture can reduce the generation of pain and tension, causing an increase in the release of endorphins and the body’s other natural painkillers. Additionally, by reducing stress and calming the nervous system, Acupuncture can help prevent headaches from occurring in the first place.
4. Hip and Back Pain
As the baby grows, the baby continues to shift weight and its centre of gravity. During this time the woman’s pelvic ligaments increase in flexibility whilst the body slowly prepares itself for labour, and this places an increase of pressure on the back and the hips. This may result in discomfort and pain, especially in the lower back and hips. Back discomfort can impact everyday activities and negatively affect sleep, mood, and overall life quality.
During pregnancy, Acupuncture can be particularly beneficial in relieving back pain. Acupuncture helps decrease tension in the muscles and ligaments surrounding the back and hips which in turn helps correct posture, encouraging more mobility and comfort during pregnancy.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Pregnancy may be a period of stress and anxiety for some, with many women feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities and changes associated with having a baby. This stress and anxiety can have a negative effect on mental health and well-being, making it harder to enjoy the experience of pregnancy.
It has been demonstrated that Acupuncture is particularly beneficial for lowering tension and anxiety during pregnancy. Acupuncture can lower the production of stress-related hormones while enhancing the release of endorphins and other soothing hormones by stimulating certain points throughout the nervous system. Moreover, by soothing the nervous system and lowering stress levels, Acupuncture can promote deeper relaxation and mental clarity, therefore helping pregnant women feel more confident and empowered throughout their pregnancy.
6. Labour Preparation
Induction of labour is the procedure of initiating labour when it has not begun spontaneously. This may be essential if there are health issues for the mother or the baby, or if the due date has already passed.
Medical induction is the use of medical techniques to induce labour, such as medications or other procedures. Medical induction may be essential in some situations, such as when the mother or baby’s health is at risk, but it can also result in consequences such as increased labour pain, an increased possibility of caesarean section due to adverse events and for many women often results in a longer hospital stay.
Natural labour is typically seen as the best choice for both mother and child, as it provides a gentler and less invasive experience with fewer adverse events.
Research has demonstrated that Acupuncture is an effective, natural, and safe approach for inducing labour naturally. Acupuncture promotes the release of hormones and boosts blood flow to the uterus and cervix, leading to natural contractions. In addition, Acupuncture helps reduce stress and tension, which has been shown to inhibit labour. By initiating labour with Acupuncture, women can avoid the dangers and unpredictability of medical induction.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment With Us
Our clinic provides a comfortable and welcoming space aiming at promoting relaxation during
Acupuncture treatment. Throughout your treatment, extremely fine needles are gently inserted into certain points of the body. We will leave you to relax and enjoy our music, whilst the treatment takes effect. During the 30 to 40 minutes that the needles are in place, we may gently stimulate them to improve the outcomes of your treatment. After the treatment, the needles are removed and we will ask you to take your time getting up from the treatment table as most women experience deep relaxation throughout the session and quite often fall asleep.
Contact Us Today
If you are interested in learning more about how Acupuncture can support you during your pregnancy, contact us today on (02) 4709 6727 or by booking an appointment online today to discuss how we can help. Our team is here to assist you and help you through your pregnancy journey.
