“Pregnancy complaints are only part of the story” is a common phrase we hear when pregnant women say they are suffering from nausea, fatigue or constipation, for example. Pregnancy changes a lot of things in your body and your life. More and more people suddenly have to set up a future, not to mention a physical cleansing. As a result, pregnancy can cause physical and mental imbalance.

However, when the complaints become so severe or tricky that one can no longer function normally, a solution is needed, and acupuncture can help relieve the symptoms. It has no side effects and is safe for mother and baby.

Acupuncture Treatment for Pregnancy Complaints

During pregnancy, common health complaints include nausea, headache, fatigue, constipation, fluid retention, and back pain. You may also experience feelings of sadness, fear, and nervousness before giving birth. Do you have any other health problems during pregnancy that are not related to pregnancy? If so, you can still safely receive acupuncture treatment. This is good to know because many medications cannot be used during pregnancy.

What Kinds of Pregnancy Complaints Can Be Treated With Acupuncture?

Acupuncture treatment for pregnancy complaints aims to restore balance to the body and mind. This treatment can either stimulate or inhibit specific energies. Symptoms often vary with each stage of pregnancy. In traditional Chinese medicine, the power of different organs plays a central role in each stage of pregnancy.

The Following Symptoms Can Be Helped by Acupuncture:

-Nausea

-Stomach pain

-Headache

-Back pain

-Extreme fatigue

-Hemorrhoids

-Sleep problems

-Itching during pregnancy

-Constipation

-Restless legs

-Hard Stomach

-High blood pressure

-Anxiety, depression, panic attacks

-Fear of miscarriage or experience of miscarriage

-Recovery from miscarriage or postpartum

What Can We Expect From Acupuncture Treatment Before Childbirth?

The following results have been obtained from various studies:

• Women who have received acupuncture treatment before childbirth are more likely to give birth naturally around the due date. They responded well to acupuncture and laboured efficiently and naturally.
• Women who receive acupuncture before childbirth are more likely to have a natural birth because they need less labour induction and medical intervention.
• Women who received prenatal acupuncture had significantly shorter (active) labour times than women who did not receive prenatal acupuncture. (6h36 vs. 8h02)
• Smoother delivery: easier to dilate and better able to cope with contractions.
• Stress at the end of pregnancy is reduced, and you feel better about yourself.

How Is the Acupuncture Treatment Done?

Prenatal acupuncture treatment is designed to prepare your body for the birth of your baby safely. This is done by inserting six to eight small sterile needles into the body’s acupuncture points. These are left in place for 20 minutes. The goal is to soften the connective tissue bands and tendons in the pelvis and relax and open the cervix. Acupuncture is also very relaxing and can help you to feel calm during this exciting time.

Acupuncture relaxes the mind, pelvis, and uterus and helps with various pregnancy problems in the second trimester. Examples include heartburn, nausea, constipation, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, and hip pain.

When to Start Acupuncture Treatment for Childbirth Preparation?

You will be asked to come for one treatment every week from the 36th week (or 37th week) until you give birth. This is usually three to four treatments; each treatment lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.

Who Is Suitable for the Acupuncture Treatment Before Childbirth?

Acupuncture treatment before childbirth is for pregnant women who want to prepare their body and mind for delivery in the best condition possible. Acupuncture treatment also increases the chances of natural and efficient birth for the first, second and also third birth. It is equally suitable for women who have had uneventful births and those who have had a late delivery, premature babies, or other complications.

If you want to prepare your body and mind for birth with the help of acupuncture, the professionals at Fertile Seeds of Life in Highett, Victoria, can help you out! Their personalised approach and revolutionary acupuncture methods will help you have a smooth delivery. Contact them for more information!