Pregnancy Wellness Care + Acupuncture

Why should acupuncture be a part of your pregnancy wellness care?

Pregnancy is like a constantly changing marathon. An old Chinese proverb says pregnancy is equivalent to walking 12 miles per day everyday. Each week the body changes to continuously grow another human being - it’s hard, subttle work that takes a toll on the body. Some move gracefully through pregnancy while others struggle week by week with various discomforts and ailments through each stage.

There are many physiological changes to the human body during pregnancy such as a 50% increase in blood volume, less blood circulation to the extremities, significant and abrupt rises of hormone levels, displacement of organs to make room for baby, decreased gastrointestinal functions, and more.

Essentially, the body is “team fetus” from the start of implantation and uses all of mom’s resources to nourish and grow baby. Treating baby as the number one priority, which makes a consistent care plan even more important to support mom’s system as pregnancy develops. If mom is stressed, uncomfortable, or unwell then baby will follow suit!

Acupuncture is a safe, gentle treatment for pregnancy wellness care or acute care during pregnancy. During pregnancy acupuncture can help with:

• Nausea, vomiting,or upset stomach

• Digestion changes (reduced appetite, constipation, hemorrhoids, acid reflux or heartburn)

• Pregnancy induced hypertension

• Pregnancy induced anemia

• Fatigue and exhaustion

• Anxiety, insomnia, depression

• Musculoskeletal pain (back, neck, feet, head, hips, etc.)

Acupuncture is beneficial for preparing the body for birth as well. Towards the end of pregnancy, acupuncture can help:

• Prepare the cervix and pelvic floor to relax for labor

• Reduce labor times

• Redirect malposition of the baby

What does a course of pregnancy wellness care look like?

If there is a specific issue (morning sickness or pregnancy induced hypertension), acupuncture treatments may be given once or twice weekly until the condition is stable. When mom is feeling well and the problem has stabilized, pregnancy wellness treatments are recommended biweekly or every 3 weeks for maintenance care.

When approaching 34-36 weeks, weekly acupuncture sessions start again to prepare the pelvis, cervix, and nervous system for labor and childbirth. Pre-birth acupuncture can help reduce active labor times, encourage a more efficient birth (less stress on mom and baby), and reduce the need for unwanted drug or medical intervention. We also use these sessions leading up to labor to teach mom and partner acupressure for labor and labor pains.

For moms who are seeking a natural alternative to support their body through pregnancy and to optimally prepare their body for labor and birth, acupuncture may be a vital part of your pregnancy journey.

Call or text 207-558-2416, email drhudgin@zhen-acupuncture.com, or book an appointment here to learn more about pregnancy care and how acupuncture can help!