Pregnancy is a beautiful and fantastic experience that can sometimes offer physical challenges. Acupuncture works for many of these challenges in pregnancy, for everything from morning sickness in the first trimester to sciatica in the third trimester. It is also a safe and effective treatment when some options such as western medicine may be contraindicated in pregnancy.
Acupuncture can treat every symptom that develops throughout pregnancy from swollen ankles, and fatigue, to breech presentation and lower back pain. Acupuncture can also address pre-existing conditions that taking medications for are contraindicated in pregnancy such as allergies, depression, or anxiety. As a great side effect of treatment patients feel relaxed, less stress, and sleep more soundly.
Acupuncture is also important post-partum. The restoration of the mother’s health is imperative for her own well being and for her ability to be present for her newborn.
It is important to choose an Acupuncturist who is experienced in working with pregnant patients. I have had the good fortune to work with hundreds of pregnant patients through every stage of their pregnancy and have assisted at many births by easing pain during labor and speeding the progression of labor naturally.
Acupuncture is also extremely effective in turning breech babies. I have much success in turning breech presentation with acupuncture and moxibustion. It is effective about 80% of the time. You should begin treatment around 35 weeks for breech turning.
Acupuncture is also extremely effective in helping to ensure on time labor and is effective in labor induction. Around 36-37 weeks you should begin to have treatment to harmonize and align your energy and help get the uterus and body ready for delivery. If you have gone past 40 weeks then we can immediately begin labor induction treatments which help encourage hormonal changes necessary to bring about labor.
Morning Sickness
“Acupuncture has liberated me from the grips of Western reactionary medicine attempting to solve a problem with a chemical drug. Fed up with chronic allergies and sinus infections I looked Bethany up, called her in a panic and she fit me in that day deciphering what my needs would be through my laryngitis. With regular visits I was able to throw out the Claritin and endure only a few sinus flair ups a year. That was six years ago - with Bethany's caring guidance I have adopted a preventative medicine lifestyle. My overall health is much improved, major and minor problems quickly resolved. Her one on one care in a serene environment is a far cry from what this nation calls "health care". Even though I have "insurance" I have always paid for her impeccable service out of pocket deeming it a worthy investment.
When I became pregnant with my first child two and a half years ago I took part in her monthly maintenance for a healthy and happy pregnancy which helped offset sciatic pain, indigestion etc. Now pregnant with my second I look forward to my monthly visits! “ - Jill K. Nagy, 34