Acupuncture has clinically proven its benefits. And because it may lessen pain and assist the body through the numerous ailments observed across all three stages of pregnancy, acupuncture is frequently used during pregnancy. Most notably, it can be safely utilised with traditional medical procedures.

Studies show no discernible difference in labour and delivery outcomes between women who receive acupuncture and those who do not. So, if you have any concerns or are beginning a new treatment, always consult your healthcare provider first. And this post will educate you on the different advantages of acupuncture during pregnancy on various issues.

Headaches

Because of growing oestrogen levels, tension-type headaches and migraines typically improve better during the length of a pregnancy. However, pregnant women who begin to feel headaches at the conclusion of the first trimester might continue to do so. As such, pregnancy-related headache discomfort has been demonstrated to be well treated by acupuncture, improving sleep and mood and reducing the need for medication.

Vomiting And Nauseous

Up to 85% of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, which is a very common symptom. Symptoms may surface between weeks 6 and 8 and usually go away by week 20. Meanwhile, vomiting and nausea can have a negative impact on one’s quality of life overall and social connections.

It has been demonstrated that acupuncture and acupressure (manual stimulation of sites) can lessen nausea and vomiting symptoms. According to one study, women who received weekly acupuncture sessions felt less nauseous after three weeks than those who received placebo treatments or no acupuncture. Overall, for mild-moderate morning sickness and vomiting during pregnancy, acupressure and acupuncture are both recommended as first-line treatments.

Difficulty Sleeping

Poor sleep quality and difficulty falling or staying asleep are considered insomnia symptoms. Early in their pregnancies, 5–38% of expecting mothers report having insomnia, and by the conclusion of the pregnancy, 60% of expectant women report having this problem. This rise is primarily brought on by back pain, the desire to urinate, and foetal movement.

Studies have shown that prenatal insomnia increases the risk of postpartum emotional disorders like anxiety. Fortunately, a study found that acupuncture could help with pregnancy-related insomnia and poor sleep quality. In addition, melatonin concentrations, frequently decreased in pregnant women, have also risen with acupuncture.

Mood Disorders and Anxiety

Many pregnant women suffer from common disorders like depression and anxiety. For example, up to 29% of expectant mothers experience depression, and ultimately, this might affect a postpartum woman’s mood and behaviour.

Acupuncture during pregnancy has been demonstrated to benefit milder kinds of depression with treatments like psychotherapy and psycho-education. And according to studies, acupuncture may help women who are depressed.

Heartburn

One of the most typical prenatal symptoms is digestive issues, which include heartburn, bloating, burp, regurgitation, and epigastric pain or discomfort. Hormonal changes, specifical progesterone, are frequently to blame for this. And according to one study, acupuncture can reduce heartburn symptoms.

Pelvic Girdle and Back Pain

Another frequent issue that many pregnant women have that limits their ability to sit and stand is pelvic girdle and back pain. Meanwhile, acupuncture is a supplementary treatment with advantages in pain reduction, pelvic floor, and chiropractic physiotherapy.

You must give acupuncture treatment a shot if you experience any of the above symptoms. As such, you may schedule a consultation with any of the respected naturopathic physicians or acupuncturists.