Pregnancy & Acupuncture

Last year I wrote about the role acupuncture can play in fostering fertility and in preparing for pregnancy. Now I'm excited to share some the important ways acupuncture can support woman during pregnancy itself.  Joyful anticipation and excitement as well as anxieties and physical challenges abound during pregnancy. Gathering a strong support team to lean on throughout this life changing transition is vital; your acupuncturist can be a key team member.

Nausea & Vomiting

Studies show that nearly eighty percent of pregnant women experience nausea during pregnancy, while sixty percent endure some vomiting. A much smaller subset of women suffer from extreme morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) with persistent vomiting and accompanying dehydration, dizziness and malnourishment. Pharmacologic options for management of nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy are limited, due to safety concerns for the growing fetus. Fortunately, randomized controlled studies and acupuncture's ancient lineage of case studies corroborate the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for this nearly ubiquitous pregnancy predicament.

In my clinic I regularly utilize acupuncture not only for treatment of, but for prevention of nausea as well. Why be nauseous at all?  And I provide patients with acupressure knowhow to treat themselves at home. Staying hydrated, eating smaller more frequent meals (focusing on foods that feel tolerable to the tummy and nose), and incorporating ginger or peppermint herbal tea all help with nausea prevention.

Chinese medical wisdom discerns between fresh ginger root and dried ginger (spice or tea bag) in its anti-nausea efficacy. Choose fresh ginger. Slice off a quarter-sized piece of the root, and boil it in water for a couple minutes before allowing it to cool and then drinking the tea. There are other options as well. For example, women with “stomach heat signs” (some examples of which include feeling excessively warm with heartburn or constipation) often find peppermint tea to be more helpful than ginger.   

Back & Pelvic Pain

The most frequently cited pregnancy complaint after nausea is pelvic and back pain. Meta analysis of controlled studies concludes that acupuncture significantly reduces pain levels and enhances functional ability to move freely and carry out daily tasks, improving quality of life for pregnant moms with low back and pelvic discomforts.

After fourteen weeks of pregnancy a woman's pelvic ligaments begin to soften and stretch to allow pelvic accommodation of the growing fetus, and to prepare her body and pelvis for labor.  As her baby grows, mom’s posture naturally changes and she appropriately gains weight. All of these shifts stress back and pelvic muscles and joints, prompting pain. When untreated, the associated discomfort tends to increase in frequency and severity as mom progresses through her pregnancy. Acupuncture safely promotes healthy blood flow to the back and pelvis, reduces inflammation, and relaxes sore muscles, significantly relieving the tension.

Emotional Challenges 

Motherhood is a momentous and often emotionally charged life transition. Mothers-to-be may experience a sense of euphoria after the confirmation of a long anticipated pregnancy. They often also grapple with anxieties around potential miscarriages, baby’s fetal health, and the fears of upcoming labor.  Other concerns may relate to management of a work-home-life balance and shifting relationship dynamics once the baby has arrived, not to mention certain hesitations around bringing a child into today’s world. Rapidly changing hormones of pregnancy not only transform women’s bodies and spirits, but can exacerbate emotional changes as well.

 It is huge for mothers to be to come to acupuncture knowing they have a completely confidential supporter who is fully present, listening to and rooting for them. Needles aside, this support helps women find a measure of comfort. 

 The addition of the needles heralds a cascade of chemical and physical changes (including the release of beta-endorphins and the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system) that usher in a sense of relaxation. Some describe their experience during acupuncture as an enhanced sense of wellbeing or a feeling of floating. Some joke with me afterwards that they'd like to stay on the table all day and have me wake them in the morning. They feel a lifting of anxieties and a broadened perspective such that they can better embrace today.

Often I'll teach supportive home practices including meditation, breathing techniques, and lifestyle or nutritional choices that foster wellbeing. For example, a cup of lemon balm tea can be calming, comforting, and delicious! 

Labor Preparation

Anxieties surrounding upcoming labor are nearly universal, especially among first-time expectant moms. Acupuncture has been shown to not only ease concerns, but also foster optimal fetal positioning for labor and vaginal birth.  Numerous studies show that acupuncture combined with moxa (an herb used externally on or near specific points on the woman's body) significantly increases the likelihood that a breech (head up) baby will flip into optimal labor positioning (head down). While most babies naturally settle into the cephalic presentation (head down) by the 35-36th week, if the baby remains in the breech position later into pregnancy, acupuncture has been shown to help the baby to assume the preferred cephalic presentation.

Acupuncture and moxa also help prepare the cervix for vaginal birth. Ideally, the cervix will ripen, becoming soft, pliable and thin before it begins to dilate when labor initiates.  Meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies indicate that acupuncture aides in cervical ripening, which in turn significantly reduces the number of days between the determined due date and delivery.

 But preparing for labor extends beyond optimizing the baby's position and mom's cervical readiness, to the building and harnessing of mom’s strength, stamina, and emotional readiness to give birth. When a woman is well rested, well nourished, and emotionally prepared, the birthing process (and postpartum experience) are inherently enhanced. Accordingly, in my clinic, focusing on sleep, digestion support, and mind-sprit ease throughout pregnancy and the labor preparation period are paramount objectives.

And Beyond

Other common pregnancy-related issues for which acupuncture can be helpful include constipation, heartburn, edema, headaches, and other body aches and pains. Next time you or your sister, daughter, friend, or partner prepares to bring a new life into the world, encourage her to consider adding a pregnancy informed acupuncturist to her support team. I have no doubt she will be grateful.