What is Pregnancy Acupuncture?

by Melanie Morrill | Dec 2, 2021

Acupuncture for Pregnancy in Edmonton

Pregnancy Acupuncture can help you during your first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as well as post-partum. During your first trimester, you may experience nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. Acupuncture on Pericardium Six (Pc6) can help you reduce nausea and vomiting.

During your second trimester, you may experience aches and pains from growing a baby. Acupuncture for pregnancy can help you alleviate your aches and pains. In your third trimester, you may experience discomfort, insomnia and anxiety. We can help you reduce your pain, improve your sleep and prepare you for labour.

Near the end of your pregnancy, your baby may be head up or breech, which is not ideal for delivery. The best time to use acupuncture and moxibustion to turn your breech baby head down is during your 34th week of pregnancy.

Finally, Pregnancy Acupuncture can help you during your labour and postpartum. Four weeks of acupuncture treatments between 36-40 weeks can prepare your hips, pelvis, cervix, and uterus for labour.

How can Pregnancy Acupuncture help your pregnancy?

One of the biggest risks during your pregnancy is physical and mental stress. According to a recent research study in Obstetric Medicine journal:

“A growing body of research shows that prenatal stress can have significant effects on pregnancy, maternal health and human development across the lifespan.”

 Dr. Mary Coussons-Read, Obstetric Medicine, June 2013

Acupuncture during your pregnancy can help alleviate your stress, resulting in a healthy pregnancy. Furthermore, in a recent study, when pregnant women received acupuncture as part of their prenatal care, they experienced:

  • 35% fewer medical inductions
  • 31% fewer epidurals
  • 32% less emergency C-section delivery
  • 9% less complicated vaginal births

During labour, acupuncture, acupressure, and TENS can be used to manage your pain and to augment your labour. Postpartum acupuncture can be used to stop after pains, support lochia, promote tissues healing, support C-section scar healing, and promote a healthy milk supply.