Acupuncture For Pregnancy

Acupuncture as a way of managing symptoms that are associated with pregnancy is a fairly new practice. The practice of acupuncture is perhaps the oldest form of traditional medicine that is still in use today, dating as far back as the 17th century in China, where it was used in the management of symptoms for various ailments and diseases. The recommendation of acupuncture during pregnancy is done on a case by case basis in light of the delicate nature of the pregnancy journey. 

Professional medical practitioners have found it to be a very suitable and effective alternative to medications, and many patients have found it to be beneficial whether it is administered as acupuncture or acupressure. In order to give a clearer picture of the applications of acupuncture for pregnancy, we shall be discussing what an acupuncture practitioner does, when it is recommended, the benefits as well as safety precautions taken when administering acupuncture to pregnant people. 

What Do Acupuncture Practitioners Do?

An acupuncture practitioner uses needles or pressure to stimulate areas in the body whereby clusters of nerves are located. By placing needles or putting pressure in the right way, a person is relieved of discomfort and pain. In order to be effective in this practise a thorough understanding of the human nervous system is fundamental in order not to cause harm. Since the acupuncturist can use either needles or pressure to create the desired effect, many who are averse to needles have benefitted as they can receive the benefits of the acupuncturist’s skills without the needles.

Acupuncture During Pregnancy

For those who prefer not to take medications to manage the overwhelming symptoms of pregnancy, an obstetrician could recommend acupuncture for them. The reasons for this would be varied and would include adverse reactions or side-effects to the medications. In this way, a patient can find relief and  have a more comfortable pregnancy as a result. 

Benefits of Acupuncture While Pregnant

When a person is pregnant, they could experience anxiety due to the many concerns that revolve around planning for and raising a child, not to mention ensuring health of the baby as well as a safe delivery. The challenge is that when anxiety is not managed it could develop into stress, which when unmanaged could have a dire impact, not only on the mother, but also on the unborn child. High blood pressure, preeclampsia, eclampsia and gestational diabetes are just some of the complications that would put both mother and child at risk in the course of pregnancy. Acupuncture has been of great benefit for stress relief when a person is pregnant. On the other hand, acupuncture during pregnancy has resulted in relaxation, improved sleep, regulated blood pressure, and improved sugar levels. 

Safety of Acupuncture While Pregnant

So, how safe is acupuncture during pregnancy? It must be made clear that during pregnancy, a professional medical practitioner will prioritize the safety of mother and child in any course of treatment. In the same way that this will be at the core of a medication-based treatment plan, alternative therapies will be recommended following the same principle. 

It is also crucial to understand that acupuncture is not recommended for all pregnant people, but rather it is evaluated on a case by case basis. That said, even when a person is not pregnant, the concerns around injury, bruising, or pain, as well as needle hygiene and the risk of infection are among the top reasons why people may be hesitant to do acupuncture. So let us shed some more light on the different elements of acupuncture. 

Pain

While the general fear of needles is not uncommon, the idea of multiple needles piercing the body can seem extreme to some. First it is important to address the actual structure of an acupuncture needle. Whereas most people have experience with regular medical needles due to injections or blood draws, an acupuncture needle is nothing like that. 

An acupuncture needle is very narrow and when properly inserted, will not cause any pain. As well, this structural aspect causes them to stick to the skin better during treatment. The understanding that a professional acupuncturist has, combined with the correct application technique and the structure of the needle itself are what make acupuncture such an effective treatment. 

Needle Hygiene

Acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel, and the main reason for this is because stainless steel is a non-reactionary metal. These specialized needles are also sterilized, meaning that they do not carry any contaminants such as bacteria that would cause infection. Most importantly, they are disposable so that there can be no cross-contamination. Therefore patients can rest assured that the needles have not been used on anyone but themselves. In the same way that medical equipment is approved for use by the FDA, acupuncture needles are classified as equipment for medical use, and thus are FDA approved for acupuncture.

Bruising or Injury

Perhaps this is one of the major concerns that first-time patients have when it comes to acupuncture; how about bruising or injury? Since the needles are inserted in a very specific way, they do not cause either bruising or injury. The reality though is that there are individuals who are more sensitive and will become bruised more easily than others. In such cases, it is important for these individuals to make the acupuncturist aware before they begin treatments, so that the acupuncturist can make the necessary adjustments in light of the bruising.  

Preterm Labor

For  a pregnant person, the top most concern is likely whether the acupuncture or acupressure would cause preterm labor. In the third trimester of pregnancy, a majority of healthcare practitioners will not recommend acupuncture therapy for this very reason. This is because, even under the hand of the most skilled acupuncturist, the risk is still high. 

Conclusion

If you are pregnant, you must consult with a professional healthcare provider, and get their approval before doing acupuncture. While it is an effective therapy with a long-standing history of effectiveness, it is typically used alongside other treatment plans. As such it is not a substitute for the proper treatments or prescriptions of symptoms. Much can be said about acupuncture and its applications in pregnancy, and whereas this article has touched on the basics, you may be curious to learn more. So, do not hesitate to contact us Virginia Fertility & IVF where our compassionate team will be glad to shed more light and walk with you on your family building journey.