Acupuncture in Pregnancy

by Rob Singer, LAc, MTCM, Acupuncture for the People

Acupuncture is a thriving system of healthcare that is thousands of years old. It is based on the concept that in addition to flesh and bone, our bodies have an energetic life force. This energy or Qi (pronounced chee) flows in channels throughout the body much like blood in our veins. Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM ) is holistic in its approach and can diagnose and treat almost any health condition using minimally invasive and natural techniques.

When it comes to pregnancy and childbirth, acupuncture is a wonderful healing modality to address wellness issues during that unique time. Women have been giving birth naturally for millennia, and TCM helps facilitate that process from preconception to post-partum and beyond.

Even before getting pregnant, acupuncture can prepare the body and encourage fertility. After conception it supports the health of the mother and baby while addressing the body changes that occur during gestation. Prior to birth, treatments can prepare for labor, naturally induce contractions if overdue and even turn the baby into the proper position. TCM is also great postpartum to help the mother recover physically and emotionally as well as support healthy breast feeding.

During pregnancy the body undergoes many physical and emotional changes to create and support the new life growing within. One well known symptom of early pregnancy is morning sickness. Not everyone experiences nausea but if you do, it can be unpleasant, inconvenient and possibly risks dehydration. TCM calls vomiting ‘rebellious qi’ because energy is moving in the wrong direction. Acupuncture can help to quell morning sickness and get things flowing the right way.

As the pregnancy progresses, some women experience body pain or discomfort from the extra weight of their ever-growing belly. This may present as low back pain or impingement of the sciatic nerve that can radiate all the way down the leg. Acupuncture is known to be great for treating aches & pains and is a natural way to manage the discomfort that may occur during the childbearing year. Pain is viewed as a blockage in the energy meridians and acupuncture helps move stagnant Qi and relieve the pain.

In the last trimester as mom and baby get ready for the birth, acupuncture can help to prepare for labor. It supports maternal health by increasing energy and stamina as well as addressing issues such as insomnia to make sure that the mother is well rested. It can also relieve any anxiety or other emotional distress that may occur as the due date approaches. There is also a technique to turn the baby if it is in a breech or other less than optimal presentation. This utilizes the burning of a Chinese herb (moxa) on or near the body, usually on the little toe.

After the due date, if the baby is reluctant to start the birthing process, acupuncture can help by encouraging the Qi to flow downward. It is a great way to naturally induce labor that is gentle on the mother and baby. Usually it takes 2 or 3 treatments, a day apart, to get things moving. Often times, the baby will respond during the treatment and the mother may experience some preliminary contractions.

After the baby is born, the mother may feel fatigued. This is understandable because birth can be a strenuous undertaking and usually there is significant loss of blood and fluids. From the Chinese perspective, the mother also loses what is known as essence or Jing. Essence is the energy that the mother and father give to the baby. Men lose Jing during conception and women lose it after childbirth. Acupuncture, moxa and herbs can help replenish what is lost, which is important as the demands of parenthood intensify.

Being a new parent is a joyful experience, but it’s not always easy. Acupuncture can help reduce stress and manage postpartum depression. The energy meridian that connects the Uterus to the Heart (which is said to house the Emotions) can be disrupted following childbirth, leading to sadness and difficulty bonding with the baby. Acupuncture restores the energy flow allowing the organs to ‘communicate’ again.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have a long tradition of use in pregnancy and birth to ease the transition into motherhood both physically and emotionally. Throughout the entire process from fertility to breast feeding, it can greatly improve health and quality of life. The treatments themselves are relaxing and relatively painless; great for stress relief and calming anxiety, which can lead to a better birth. It is a natural and gentle way to celebrate wellness during the childbearing year.