The Benefits of Acupuncture in Pregnancy

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that many people find helpful for a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture has specific benefits during pregnancy as well. Practitioners believe that pain and illness are the result of an imbalance of energy known as qi or chi.

In the first trimester, complaints such as morning sickness, fatigue and headaches are common. If the physical symptoms weren't enough, the expectant mother also has to deal with emotional changes and mood swings. Acupuncture has benefits for all these early pregnancy discomforts. The procedure increases the feeling of well being while relieving the physical discomforts.

The benefits of acupuncture continue into the second trimester. As the baby grows, the mother experiences more physical discomfort. Acupuncture helps relieve the aches and pains that are common as the baby grows. The general feeling of well being is beneficial to both the mother and baby in all stages of pregnancy.

The third trimester is notorious for discomfort. Heartburn, back pain, swelling and digestive issues make the last few months really tough for some women. Acupuncture is effective as a natural remedy for all the discomforts of the third trimester. It is particularly beneficial for lower back pain, which is so common toward the end of pregnancy.

Many practitioners of acupuncture and midwives believe acupuncture can help turn a breech baby. Chinese women have used this method for thousands of years to achieve healthy and natural births. If your baby hasn't turned, ask about acupuncture as a safe alternative to c section. It may not work, but there is no harm to the baby in trying.

When a mother has acupuncture treatments throughout the pregnancy, it is believed the baby has lasting benefits. Practitioners of acupuncture maintain that the baby will have less frequent illnesses and healthier skin. Because the mother's body remained in balance throughout pregnancy, the baby has less exposure to toxins.

Many women increase their visits to their acupuncture practitioner in the last few weeks of pregnancy. It is believed that maintaining balance helps prepare the body for labor. This is believed to result in a faster labor with fewer complications.

While acupuncture is widely accepted as a safe practice during pregnancy, you may want to seek the advice of your health care provider. When choosing a practitioner, seek someone with a lot of experience in acupuncture and with pregnant women. An experienced practitioner knows what works best for pregnant women.

Related Articles:

Let's Talk About Acupuncture During Labor

Discomforts in the First Trimester

Discomforts in the Third Trimester

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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