When you’re pregnant, whether it is your first or your fifth, naturally you’ll want the pregnancy to go well and have no complications. If you want to supplement your pregnancy with acupuncture, here are five benefits to consider.
In 2023, there has been a boom in the number of pregnant women looking for ways to improve their pregnancy that goes beyond taking supplements and doing gentle exercise. Pregnancy-based acupuncture has been in the spotlight, and provided you get a trained acupuncturist, the benefits can be very worthwhile.
Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and promote overall wellness. It can be an effective complementary therapy for pregnant women, providing relief from various symptoms and supporting a healthy pregnancy.
4 Benefits of Acupuncture for Pregnant Women
#1 – Alleviates Nausea And Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms experienced by many pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. Acupuncture for pregnancy has been shown to reduce the severity and frequency of these symptoms, helping pregnant women feel more comfortable and keep food down. Of course, if you notice extreme vomiting and are becoming dehydrated, you need to head to your doctor for help.
#2 – Relieves Back Pain
Pregnant women often experience back pain and discomfort as the baby grows due to the little one pressing against the spine. Acupuncture can help to relieve back pain by releasing tension and promoting circulation in the affected area, thus minimising cramps, relieving soreness, and promoting better flexibility to help keep you mobile.
#3 – Reduces Stress And Anxiety
Pregnancy can be stressful, especially if it is your first, you are giving birth to multiples, or if there have been complications with the conception. Anxiety is a common issue for many expectant mothers, which, if left unabated, can cause a lot of unhelpful thoughts and physical complaints like headaches and abdominal pain. Acupuncture has been shown clinically to reduce stress and anxiety levels, helping women to feel more relaxed and calmer throughout their pregnancy.
#4 – Improves Sleep
Sleep disruptions are common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, when you will likely need about four pillows to get comfy! Poor sleep is going to undoubtedly have a negative impact on both the mother and baby, as sleep deprivation causes the body to operate poorly and can impact cognitive function and your body’s ability to heal itself. Acupuncture can help to improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing pain and discomfort. Although, you will probably still need to get a few pillows to get a good night’s sleep with your bump!
#5 – Supports a Healthy Pregnancy
Acupuncture can help to support a healthy pregnancy by balancing hormones, improving circulation, and boosting the immune system. This can help to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and promote a healthy birth while also helping you to relax and focus on the little person you are carrying.
Remember, for acupuncture to be effective, you need to ensure that the person performing it has experience in the area of pregnancy and has a lot of training. So, be sure to shop around!
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