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Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Acupuncture While Pregnant: Reasons to Consider Acupuncture During Pregnancy


Acupuncture is a medical practice originating from the East. It has been used to treat various ailments as well as provide relief from pain and discomfort. It has been particularly useful in managing conditions affecting the nervous system. 

You may be wondering if it is safe to do acupuncture while pregnant. In this article we shall discuss what acupuncture is, the types of acupuncture practises, the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy, and we shall explore some reasons one would consider acupuncture while pregnant. 



What Do Acupuncture Practitioners Do?

Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese medical practice that requires a practitioner to insert very thin needles into various parts of the body through the skin. This requires a thorough understanding of the nervous system, as needles are placed in regions along the skin where there are significant amounts of nerves. 


The first records of this practice date as far back as 100 BCE. Making this one of the oldest forms of traditional medicine still in use. As modern medicine has advanced, medical approaches from the West have merged with those from the East. 


The practice of acupuncture also includes acupressure, where a practitioner stimulates the same nerve-rich pressure points using their fingers similar to what a massage therapist would do. This has allowed more people to benefit from this practice, particularly those who are averse to needles.


Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Each pregnancy is as unique as the baby that is born will be. As such, the levels of discomfort, stress, anxiety, and even pain will vary from one individual to another. What has been observed is that acupuncture helps with relaxation, and improves restfulness in patients. 


Due to the varied mental, emotional, and physical strain of carrying a baby to term, concerns regarding the effects of the use of prescribed drugs to alleviate discomfort, both to the mother and particularly the unborn child are inevitable. 


To address these concerns, obstetricians, among other alternatives, recommend acupuncture while pregnant to their patients to assist in managing the discomforts of pregnancy. This indicates that not only can you have acupuncture while pregnant, it is also safe to do, and there are benefits to getting acupuncture during pregnancy.


Benefits of Acupuncture While Pregnant

A study published in the National Institutes of Health regarding the use of acupuncture to alleviate stress during pregnancy showed that the use of acupuncture was effective in relieving perceived stress in pregnant persons.


This is of significant importance considering the adverse negative effects of stress on pregnancy, not just to the pregnant individual, but also to the unborn child. Stress during pregnancy can lead to poor sleep, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and eclampsia, as well as gestational diabetes.


Getting acupuncture during pregnancy can improve the quality of sleep during pregnancy. It has also been associated with improved blood sugar and blood pressure. All of which are beneficial in reducing stress and supporting a healthy pregnancy to term. 



Safety of Acupuncture While Pregnant

The safety of acupuncture during pregnancy is a genuine concern. Some concerns include pain, needle hygiene, the risk of bruising or injury, as well as induction of preterm labor.


Pain

Pain is a primary concern due to the piercing of the skin in order to get the acupuncture needles to adhere to the skin. Pain may occur if the needles are incorrectly placed. However, when properly done, acupuncture is usually pain-free.


Needle Hygiene

The needles used during acupuncture are stainless steel. In order to prevent risk of infection or contracting a bloodborne disease, these are sterilized before use. Additionally, the needles used are ideally disposable. The FDA regulates the quality of these needles in the same way it regulates the quality of other medical devices. 


Bruising or Injury

Bruising and injury are additional concerns revolving around acupuncture. The correct placement of needles is crucial in preventing any bruising or injury. Some people may bruise easily or have underlying conditions that may make them more susceptible to bruising. These should be reported to the acupuncturist beforehand.


Preterm Labor

Acupuncture while pregnant in the 3rd trimester raises concerns of preterm labor. A professional acupuncturist will be aware of the areas not to engage, in order to avoid inducing labor. Having acupuncture at this stage of your pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor before proceeding.



Conclusion

Acupuncture, for thousands of years, has been used as an effective medical treatment for various ailments. It has been used in the management of various types of pain, as well as other symptoms associated with diseases.


In pregnancy, acupuncture has been used to alleviate and manage different symptoms, while elevating the overall wellness of the pregnant person. When properly administered, there is little to no pain, and very little risk of infection. 


It is important to note that acupuncture is not a substitute for the proper treatment and management of other diseases and conditions one might have. It also does not replace the need for any prescribed medication. 


As with any medical treatment, there may be some risks involved, and therefore consultation with your doctor is crucial in order to determine whether acupuncture during pregnancy is suitable for you. 


If you would like to know more about the benefits of acupuncture while pregnant, book an appointment at Ivy Fertility today. Our team of professionals is happy to offer assistance and support for any stage of your family planning process.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


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

The only way to determine if acupuncture is good for your pregnancy is by speaking to your healthcare provider first. If you are on medication or have any underlying conditions, they may pose a risk to you having acupuncture.


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

Ideally, a practitioner should be a licensed or certified professional who has a good track record, as well as experience in doing acupuncture on pregnant persons. Each State has its own standards of licensing and certification. 


How much does acupuncture cost during pregnancy?

The cost of acupuncture varies from one practitioner to another. As well, the number of sessions you would require would affect the cost of this. You may want to contact your health insurance provider to know if acupuncture is covered in your plan.


Is an acupuncturist a medical doctor?

Not necessarily. It is possible for a medical doctor to be an acupuncturist. However, not every acupuncturist is a medical doctor, neither is every doctor licensed to do acupuncture. Additionally, a medical doctor can recommend acupuncture for treatment, but an acupuncturist is not licensed to diagnose disease.


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