If you are an expectant mom in Santa Monica or West Los Angeles, you may have wondered about the benefits of prenatal acupuncture. Maybe you have wondered why, with all of the aches and pains that come along with pregnancy, would anyone in her right mind want to get poked with needles? We can assure you that acupuncture is nothing at all like getting stuck in the arm with a painful needle – in fact, you may find it the most relaxing thing you’ve ever done!
Acupuncture is a natural, non-invasive treatment many women find beneficial during the first, second, and even third trimesters of pregnancy. Lots of moms-to-be experience nausea, heartburn, back pain, pelvic pain, the list goes on and on. You don’t have to let the negative symptoms of pregnancy steal your joy. Here are a few of the many ways acupuncture can help during pregnancy.
Morning sickness. It doesn’t always happen in the morning; many women feel nauseous in the evening, or any time of day. Acupuncture often reduces the nausea and vomiting which typically occur early on in pregnancy.
Pelvic and/or lower back pain. It’s no surprise pregnant women experience these types of pain given their expanding girth, and acupuncture is useful for reducing or even eliminating lower back/pelvic pain.
Depression and emotional health. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common in pregnant women, affecting about a quarter expecting moms. Acupuncture works to balance hormones and helps the body release its own “feel good” endorphins.
Insomnia and other sleep issues. It’s often more difficult to sleep during pregnancy, whether you’re anxious or simply uncomfortable due to the added weight, back pain, etc. Acupuncture promotes relaxation and reduces stress – and since we have already covered its use for pain, you can sleep better and get the rest you need for yourself and your growing baby.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, common symptoms include heartburn, headaches, tiredness, and morning sickness. Acupuncture helps reduce all of these symptoms often caused by changes in your body and fluctuating hormones.
During the second trimester most women feel better, as the negative symptoms ease. Still, you may experience pelvic or low back pain, heartburn, and sleep problems. Acupuncture during this time helps with those symptoms that may linger.
The third trimester is when many women become anxious, stressed and emotional, understandable as that special, long-awaited day approaches. Women with depression often stop taking medications during pregnancy, so those feelings may become pronounced during the final three months. Acupuncture is a natural, safe way to promote emotional well-being and calmness as you wait for your little one to make his or her appearance.
The third trimester is also when you want to prepare your body for labor, especially around the 34 week mark. Moxibustion is a useful tool we use when the baby is in a breech position to help move him or her into the right position. We help support you as your baby drops into the pelvic bowl in preparation for labor.
Prenatal acupuncture is effective for almost any uncomfortable or negative symptoms you may experience during what should be a joyful, exciting time in your life. To learn more about how acupuncture can benefit you throughout your pregnancy, contact Natural Healing & Acupuncture today.
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