Acupuncture For Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with many different symptoms at its different stages. There are many ways that the symptoms associated with pregnancy are managed. In more recent years, acupuncture has been added to the list of possible treatment options. While acupuncture is new to pregnancy management, the practice itself has been used in China since the 17th century. There it was, and still is, used to manage the symptoms of various diseases and illnesses. 

In recent years, professional healthcare providers have recommended acupuncture for pregnancy on a case to case basis. They have found it to be very effective as an alternative to the medications used to manage the symptoms of pregnancy. Patients as well have found it of great benefit. So let us explore acupuncture in the context of pregnancy and find out what makes it beneficial, as well as what happens during acupuncture treatments. 

What Do Acupuncture Practitioners Do?

A practitioner of acupuncture uses specialized needles to stimulate specific nerve centers in the body resulting in the relief from symptoms for the patient. Acupuncturists, as they are also known, have a thorough understanding of the nervous system, as well as the skill in using the needles in order not to harm the patient. For patients who are uncomfortable with the use of needles, acupressure is the alternative to this type of treatment. Rather than use needles, the acupuncture practitioner uses their fingers to apply pressure in the same nerve centres, resulting in the same effect of relief. 

Acupuncture During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, sometimes the symptoms can be overwhelming. Depending on the circumstances of the patient, a professional healthcare provider, specifically an obstetrician, may recommend acupuncture. Whereas there may be several reasons for this, one of the main reasons for this recommendation is likely that a patient may have had a reaction to medications that had been prescribed to manage said symptoms. Since medications are not in use, acupuncture becomes a more comfortable way of managing symptoms, resulting in a comfortable pregnancy as well. 

Benefits of Acupuncture While Pregnant

Acupuncture while pregnant is not only curative, it is also preventative. Gestational diabetes, eclampsia, preeclampsia, as well as high blood pressure are complications in pregnancy resulting from stress during pregnancy. Acupuncture is effective in relieving stress, which in turn can lower the risk of these conditions from occurring. By using acupuncture to treat symptoms of pregnancy, patients have benefitted from regulated blood pressure, improved sugar levels, relaxation and improved sleep.  

Safety of Acupuncture While Pregnant

Before we get into it, it is important to be aware that the priority of a professional healthcare provider is the safety of both a mother and their child throughout pregnancy, and thereafter. Therefore, a pregnant person can rest assured that whether through medication or acupuncture, their interests as well as those of their child are a key determinant in the course of treatment. 

Although acupuncture is not recommended in each and every case, in general people may wonder about the safety of the procedure. Genuine concerns exist  particularly when a person is pregnant. So let us discuss how acupuncture is administered including the safety aspects of the procedure. 

Pain

The larger human population has a phobia of medical procedures that involve the use of needles. One can imagine then, how the idea of multiple needles piercing the skin could be a bit daunting. Understandable as this may be, acupuncture needles are significantly finer than regular medical needles. When they are inserted properly they typically do not cause pain. This thinness is crucial in helping the needles attach properly to the skin during the procedure. As well professional acupuncturists have the skill required to make the process as comfortable as possible for the patient.

Needle Hygiene

Since we are talking about needles, it may be of value to know that the needles are made of stainless steel. This is important because stainless steel is non-reactionary. This means that the patient will not get an allergic reaction to the needles. Another important aspect about acupuncture needles is that they are sterilized. This is important because they are free of contamination. They are also disposable which means that there is no risk of cross-contamination. A most important aspect of acupuncture needles is that they are FDA approved as equipment for medical use.

Bruising or Injury

Whereas there are some people who become bruised easily, acupuncture treatments do not cause bruising, nor do they cause injury. However it is important for patience to notify the acupuncture practitioner before treatment begins, so that adjustments can be made where necessary without compromising the efficacy of treatment. 

Preterm Labor

This is one of the major concerns that many people express at the thought of acupuncture for pregnancy. It must be highlighted that in practice medical practitioners will not prescribe acupuncture when a person is in their third trimester. Even when an acupuncturist is highly skilled, the risk of preterm labor in the third trimester is high. 

Conclusion

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for the uncomfortable or overwhelming symptoms of pregnancy. Only a professional healthcare provider ought to prescribe acupuncture treatments when a person is pregnant. Of note is that acupuncture is typically prescribed in tandem with other treatments, and is never to be applied as a substitute for the proper treatments of conditions. If you are pregnant and looking for ways to manage symptoms that could be overwhelming, visit us at IVF Fertility Center. We are happy to be of assistance in your family building plans.