Pregnancy and Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used in pregnancy to benefit both mother and infant. The organ systems of a baby develop in a predictable, recognized order so long as nothing is wrong. But external factors affecting the mother's health or stress level may leave a baby at risk of higher fevers in childhood, a higher frequency of illness, and increased bouts of eczema and diaper rash. Acupuncture treatments given once a month promote the good health of mother and baby. During the last month, treatments once a week help both prepare for the upcoming birth.

• An Australian study reported in the journal Birth revealed that of the 593 women studied, all less than 14 weeks pregnant, the women who received acupuncture treatment had fewer instances of nausea than those who received none, and the nausea was less intense, and this situation prevailed through the four weeks of the study.
• Acupuncture can help with heartburn, hemorrhoids, and weight gain, as well as hypertension (high blood pressure). Some women in their third trimester are relieved of intense lower back or pelvic pain.
• A daily treatment for 3 weeks on the small toe of the foot will turn a breech baby into the proper position.
• Acupuncture may be used during birth to start contractions or to help them along. It works best if given as a series of one-hour treatments over several days preceding the birth.