Acupuncture During Pregnancy

October 3, 2019

As an acupuncturist working in the fertility field, I am frequently asked if Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy. I am here to answer that question! Acupuncture is a completely safe and effective treatment for minor to moderate pregnancy symptoms. It is important to know that there are many medications that are considered unsafe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. That is why many patients turn to acupuncture (as I did during my own pregnancy) to treat even common symptoms unrelated to pregnancy to avoid taking medication unless it was deemed necessary. 


Here is a list of symptoms Acupuncture can treat during your pregnancy journey.


First trimester:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation and/or hemorrhoids
  • Fatigue
  • Urinary discomfort or chronic UTIs
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Carpal tunnel/arthritis
  • Threatened miscarriage


Second Trimester:

  • Lingering first trimester symptoms
  • Pain
  • Sinus congestion
  • Hypertension
  • Preeclampsia 
  • Emotional Imbalance


Third Trimester:

  • GERD/acid reflux/heartburn
  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Rib pain
  • Leg cramps
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Insomnia
  • General discomfort
  • Itching 
  • Sinus congestion
  • Anxiety
  • Preparing the body for labor


Postnatal:

  • Discharge
  • After pains
  • Perineal pain
  • Incision pain
  • Breast discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Insufficient Lactation
  • Mastitis
  • Baby blues/postnatal depression


While acupuncture can treat a variety of symptoms during your pregnancy there are still areas of the body that should not be needled while you are pregnant. This makes it very important that you choose an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility and/or pregnancy. Pregnancy is an amazing and exciting time in your life and you should make sure your body feels amazing too!! 


Book your appointment with Christina in Highland Park or Buffalo Grove!  Acupuncture support for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum care, and general wellness is available in Chicago seven days a week, too! Book an Initial Acupuncture Consultation with the $99 Wild Card and save $51 this season!


Specials are available with services from our partner CocoonCare AND Pulling Down the Moon! Check it out today!


References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31392990 – low back pain and pelvic pain

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30423471 – anxiety and depression pre/postnatal

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30261764 – treating nausea and vomiting

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31483927 – safety of acupuncture during pregnancy

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