A 3-5 treatment series, known as Birth Preparation / Labour Preparation / Cervical Ripening, is recommended for pregnant women starting at 36-37 weeks gestation. Research has shown that these treatments can benefit women in the following ways:
-Shorter labour times
-Less medical interventions
-More positive birth experience
In addition to preparing a woman for labour, treatments in late pregnancy can be very helpful for dealing with the common challenges of late pregnancy (such as relieving heartburn, nasal congestion, constipation, varicose veins, backache, hemorrhoids, leg cramps, swelling of the hands and feet, difficulty sleeping, and increased anxiety and tiredness). Treatment protocols combine standard points with points chosen to address a woman’s specific needs. Preparation for labour (and especially for a life of parenting) is a mental-emotional process as well as a physical process. Taking time each week to address this preparation in a supportive environment reduces stress and fosters a calm and empowered attitude.
People often are surprised that I use acupuncture to assist pregnant women. They ask me, “What can acupuncture do?”
Acupuncture gives information to the body that helps the body to balance itself. In Chinese Medicine theory, symptoms are a sign of imbalance. When the imbalance is addressed, the symptoms disappear.
The childbearing year is an exciting time full of changes. “Balance” during pregnancy and post-partum is always relative, adaptive and constantly shifting. Acupuncture successfully relieves discomforts and stress.
In pregnancy, the most common reasons that women come for a treatment include nausea and vomiting (NVP) commonly referred to as morning sickness, aches and pains – especially repetitive strain disorders such as carpel tunnel and tennis elbow, and pains related to weight bearing adjustments, such as back, hip and pelvic pains. Sciatica is a common concern. Women also come with digestive concerns, heartburn and constipation. Often women feel exhausted and are looking for energy and a place to discuss their fears, anxieties and insecurities. Many women find that they sleep better after acupuncture. In some cases, women are referred for acupuncture to lower high blood pressure and avoid pre-eclampsia. I have also successfully treated women with pregnancy related skin conditions. In late pregnancy, acupuncture and moxibustion can help encourage the fetus turn from a breech position, and is also used to encourage labour to start post dates.
Research supports the use of acupuncture for labour preparation (also called “cervical ripening”). This is usually performed as a series of 4 weekly treatments beginning at 37 weeks gestation.
Most women find acupuncture in pregnancy to be a very positive experience. Once the needles are in place, many women experience a deep sense of relaxation and often nap.
The uses of acupuncture in pregnancy are varied, just as women’s experience of pregnancy often is.
