Research on acupuncture shows it helps to restore emotional balance while addressing physical pain after childbirth
Along with the joy and anticipation of pregnancy, you may also navigate different types of pain, discomfort, or challenging emotions.
In recent years, acupuncture has become an alternative therapy for a range of physical and mental symptoms. And fortunately for pregnant and birthing folks, the data on acupuncture for pain relief, healing, and even induction is promising.
Many of our clients receive acupuncture to relieve pregnancy discomforts and progress their labor. It’s especially beneficial for our birthing families looking for natural pain relief and induction methods before attempting other, more invasive medical interventions.
So, what is acupuncture and how does it benefit you during pregnancy and labor?
What is Acupuncture?
A hallmark of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a technique used for balancing energy flow throughout your body. During a session, licensed acupuncturists place thin needles in specific areas of your body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. Pain ranges from none at all to mild discomfort depending on how deep each needle is inserted.
Between 5 and 20 needles are used in one treatment. Your practitioner may gently adjust or twirl the needles after placement, or apply heat or mild electrical pulses, according to Mayo Clinic.
Depending on your ailment, acupuncture is frequently used for:
Headaches and migraines
Labor pain
Low back pain
Neck pain
Jaw or dental pain
Knee pain
Osteoarthritis pain
Some of our pregnant and birthing clients turn to acupuncture for the following four benefits.
Acupuncture Can Help Ease Nausea During Pregnancy
Up to 80 percent of people experience some sort of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Some pregnant folks may experience severe nausea that impacts their daily lives, while others only have mild nausea that dissipates after the first trimester. In one to two percent of pregnancies, the pregnant parent may even develop hyperemesis gravidarum, which is severe vomiting that can result in weight loss and dehydration.
Studies indicate acupuncture can help to reduce pregnancy nausea, sometimes within minutes of treatment. It’s why many of our birthing families seek acupuncture in addition to other natural nausea remedies during pregnancy.
Acupuncture Can Help Alleviate Pregnancy-Related Pain
Research shows acupuncture is a safe and useful tool in treating pain during pregnancy.
It’s good news for pregnant folks, whose bodies are changing in ways that may cause some physical discomfort. During pregnancy the hormone relaxin softens joints and ligaments in preparation for birth. While the process comes in handy for childbirth, it also puts extra strain on back muscles and joints. Additionally, while growing life, your core muscles weaken, extra weight adds pressure to joints, and your center of gravity shifts.
Each of these can lead to common pregnancy discomforts such as:
Back pain
Joint pain
Sciatica pain
Hip pain
Pelvic pain
Because many common prescription drugs or pain relievers aren’t recommended during pregnancy, acupuncture is a great alternative for pain relief.
Acupuncture May Jumpstart Labor
Research shows acupuncture can help to ripen the cervix and stimulate the hormonal changes necessary to give birth.
Many acupuncture providers recommend a series of labor preparation treatments nearing the end of your pregnancy. Some pregnant folks, however, wait to seek acupuncture until they’re overdue or edging close to their due date.
“ Many of our clients receive acupuncture to relieve pregnancy discomforts and progress their labor.”
Acupuncture may help your body prepare for labor by removing pain, reducing stress, and optimizing fetal positioning. Since acupuncture is generally a calming experience, it can help a tense body to relax. As you relax, you may find that your body eases into childbirth naturally
Acupuncture May Help With Postpartum Recovery
After labor, it's essential for a birthing parent to rest and recover.
For many, acupuncture plays a key role in that recovery process. During childbirth, your body goes through an intense, exhausting process. You need to not only allow space for physical healing, but also mental and emotional wellbeing as you prepare for the journey of parenthood.
Research on acupuncture shows it helps to restore emotional balance while addressing physical pain after childbirth. Some studies even show acupuncture is a useful tool in alleviating symptoms of postpartum depression. Researchers believe it may help to relieve oxidative stress and inflammation, which both play a role in material mental health disorders.
Always remember to do your research and only visit board-certified acupuncturists. Search online, make calls, and ask for word-of-mouth recommendations for certified acupuncturists who are experienced in treating pregnant individuals. Looking for a qualified acupuncturist in your area? Browse this database of acupuncturists certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Miami’s Premier Natural Birthing Center – Prenatal Care and Birth Services in Miami
At Magnolia Birth House, we’re here to empower you with knowledge to take charge of your reproductive journey. If you have additional questions on acupuncture during pregnancy or other pregnancy and birth related information, email info@magnoliabirthhouse.com or call 786-876-6537 to connect with our team and learn more.
