Acupuncture For Pregnancy

Acupuncture is a form of traditional medicine that originated from China. From as early as 100 BCE,  it has been used to treat various ailments and manage pain. The practise has grown and melded with western medicine in managing conditions affecting the nervous system, and in recent times, the management of various discomforts associated with pregnancy. 

While managing pregnancy symptoms through acupuncture is fairly recent, it has shown great promise particularly for people who prefer to avoid the use of medications to manage their symptoms. In this article, we shall address the different ways acupuncture for pregnancy symptoms is beneficial, and why one could consider it as an alternative treatment plan.

What Do Acupuncture Practitioners Do?

An acupuncturist traditionally uses specialised needles to stimulate specific nerve-rich pressure points on the body by inserting the needles through the skin. Ideally, the practitioner has a thorough understanding of the nervous system which enables them to insert the needles with precision, without causing harm. 

Acupuncturists can also perform this treatment using their fingers, for the same results. This is particularly beneficial for people who are reluctant to have needles inserted into their body. The process then would be similar to what massage therapy does. 

Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes the body to undergo many changes, which in turn create physical, emotional and mental strain. By the time a person gives birth they have undergone varied levels of pain, discomfort, anxiety and stress. 

It is normal to seek relief in order to enjoy the pregnancy, but how does one get relief if they want to avoid the side effects of prescription drugs?  Well, among the non-drug alternatives is acupuncture that has been recommended by obstetricians

Benefits of Acupuncture While Pregnant

Acupuncture during pregnancy has been observed to help pregnant people relax. This improves sleep, providing adequate rest and easing the discomforts brought about by pregnancy.

One study by the National Institutes of Health even found it to be effective for the relief of stress in pregnant people, which can otherwise have adverse effects such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and eclampsia.

Having acupuncture treatments during pregnancy not only improves the quality of sleep, but it also improves blood sugar, blood pressure, and overall, supports a healthy pregnancy. 

Safety of Acupuncture While Pregnant

During pregnancy, the safety to mother and child is at the forefront of any medical treatment plan, procedure or therapy. Even when a person is not pregnant, the top most concerns are about pain, bruising, injury, needle hygiene, and infection. 

With pregnancy, an additional concern that acupuncture could induce early labor may create anxiety about getting the procedure done. So,let us address these concerns and hope that you get a better perspective on acupuncture.

Pain

Anyone who has had their blood drawn or even gotten a flu shot may likely associate needles with pain. So the idea of having several needles piercing the skin sounds like pain multiplied.

Acupuncture needles however are particularly thin compared to regular medical needles, and with good reason. They have a finer point which makes it easier for them to adhere to the skin painlessly when inserted properly. 

Needle Hygiene

A stray infection due to germs or bacteria can be harmful to anyone and especially a pregnant person, because this also puts the unborn child at risk. 

Professional acupuncture practitioners use sterilized disposable stainless steel needles which are unlikely to cause infection or illness.

In addition, the quality of the needles used by professional acupuncturists is regulated by the FDA in the same way that other medical devices are. 

Bruising or Injury

Professional acupuncture practitioners insert the acupuncture needles in a way that does not cause bruising or injury. There are people who simply  bruise more easily than most, or have conditions make them more susceptible to bruising. 

If you have any susceptibility to bruising make sure you report this to the acupuncturist in good time ahead of the procedure. This will enable them to know how to adjust your treatment plan.

Preterm Labor

During the third trimester, particularly as one gets closer to their due date, activating certain pressure points can induce preterm labor. So delicate is this time, that even an at-home foot massage could trigger labor.  

A professional acupuncturist is trained to know the areas to avoid so that they do not induce labor. However even with an experienced professional practitioner in charge, having acupuncture treatments at this stage generally still comes with the risk of going into preterm labor.

If you want to continue with acupuncture treatments in your third trimester, it is best to consult with your doctor and get their approval beforehand.

Conclusion

For centuries, acupuncture has been an effective medical treatment for a variety of illnesses and the management of the symptoms and linked to other diseases. 

Acupuncture when pregnant can be used in the alleviation and management of symptoms that can otherwise be overbearing, and improve the general well being of the expectant person. 

As with any medical procedure, there may be some risks so consult with your doctor to determine if acupuncture is suitable for you during pregnancy. 

It must be stressed that acupuncture is not a substitute for the proper treatment and management of illness, and must not be used to replace any prescribed medication. 

If you have additional queries or concerns about acupuncture while pregnant, contact Reproductive Partners Medical Group today. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if acupuncture is good for my pregnancy?

Speak to your healthcare provider about acupuncture. They are best placed to help you determine this based on your specific needs.

What should I look for in an acupuncturist when I am pregnant?

Look for a licensed or certified acupuncturist. Each State has its own regulatory board of licensing and certifying practitioners and they would have a listing of professionals registered under them. Additionally, seek out a practitioner who has a good track record in the field, and particularly, one who has experience in doing acupuncture specifically on pregnant people.

How much does acupuncture cost during pregnancy?

As with any such service, the cost is determined by the practitioner, in terms of experience, certification and licensing. The cost is also based on the number of treatment sessions a would require. Additionally, it is important to contact your health insurance provider to see if your plan will cover acupuncture treatments.

Is an acupuncturist a medical doctor?

Not necessarily. The two are separate professions requiring their own specialized licensing and certification. It is possible for a medical doctor to have the licence and certification to administer acupuncture treatments, in addition to their medical licence and medical board certification. 

Medical doctors are qualified to diagnose and treat illness through prescription drugs and alternative therapies such as acupuncture. An acupuncturist’s licensing and certification does not qualify them to diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications for disease.