Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
While pregnancy is a beautiful time in a person’s life, it may also be incredibly stressful and come with symptoms that may make everyday life challenging. There are many emotional and physical changes to contend with, from morning sickness and back pain to depression. Some people turn to alternative medicines, like acupuncture, in an effort to find relief.
But is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Here, we’ve covered everything you need to know about this alternative medicine and its use during pregnancy.
Using the most up-to-date techniques and evidence-based medicine, the dedicated team at The Whole Body Clinic strives to help patients reach their wellness goals. As such, we provide a range of holistic services, including acupuncture. Contact us today for more information.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves the insertion of tiny, sterile needles into the skin at specific pressure points in the body. Its goal is to restore the body’s natural balance by potentially activating the nervous system, regulating hormones, and reducing inflammation.
Is acupuncture safe in pregnancy?
According to current research, acupuncture is considered to be relatively safe for use in most pregnancies regardless of the trimester.
While severe reactions or complications are rare, some people may experience mild complications. These include:
- Pain
- Redness or bleeding at insertion points
- Headache
- Fatigue or trouble sleeping
- Dizziness or faintness
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Sweating or feeling hot
Although research suggests that the incidence of negative outcomes (such as miscarriage, pre-term labour, and the premature rupturing of membranes) is fairly on par with women who have not received acupuncture, certain pressure points should still be avoided during pregnancy.
Always speak with your doctor first to determine whether acupuncture is right for you and your unborn child.
How acupuncture may be used during pregnancy
Acupuncture may assist with many different stages and symptoms of conception and pregnancy.
1. Conception
Some people like to receive acupuncture when trying to conceive. Studies have found that it may play a role in reducing infertility and increasing the chances of getting pregnant, which is why it’s popular among some people undergoing IVF and other fertility treatments.
2. Morning sickness
One of the most common– and debilitating– pregnancy symptoms, up to 80% of pregnant people are affected by nausea and vomiting (which may, understandably, make the thought of eating unappealing). Acupuncture may help by potentially decreasing stress and anxiety, improving appetite, and regulating the digestive system.
3. Headaches
Another common pregnancy symptom, hormonal changes, an increase in blood volume, and physical stress may lead to headaches and migraines. Unfortunately, many standard medications to alleviate these are not recommended for use during pregnancy. Acupuncture may help to reduce pain and tension by causing an increase in endorphin release.
4. Aches and pains
During pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin is produced, which loosens up the joints in preparation for labour. Combined with the added weight of a growing foetus, it’s not uncommon for people to experience pelvic and/or back pain– particularly in the second and third trimesters. Acupuncture may be helpful in addressing these pains.
5. Depression
Up to 15% of expectant mothers are believed to experience antepartum depression. Studies have found that acupuncture may reduce depressive symptoms when compared to more traditional depression treatments.
6. Breech presentation
No expectant parent wants to hear as they approach their due date is that their baby is breech. Receiving acupuncture at specific pressure points between 32 and 35 weeks gestation may help breech babies turn and present headfirst.
7. Labour pain
Studies have shown that acupuncture may be useful for pain relief during labour. People who received acupuncture during labour had a lower chance of using other pain relief measures (such as an epidural) and their baby’s Apgar scores were also higher on average. Acupuncture has been found to not affect the overall length of labour.
Acupuncture may also be used to treat other pregnancy complaints, such as hyperemesis gravidarum, insomnia, indigestion, constipation, swelling, and preeclampsia. It may also be used to induce natural labour instead of opting for a medical induction (but will not cause labour before the baby is ready to be born).
Address your pregnancy concerns with acupuncture
If you’re experiencing any of the pregnancy symptoms we’ve discussed here and are interested in alternative treatment options, acupuncture may be something to consider.
To discuss your symptoms and overall wellness goals, make an appointment with one of the experienced osteopaths at The Whole Body Clinic in Mount Gravatt or Browns Plains today. We can determine whether acupuncture is something that may benefit you, no matter what stage of pregnancy you’re in.
