Acupuncture Is a Safe, Effective Prenatal and Postnatal Treatment

Early Pregnancy Support

Women are encouraged to receive weekly acupuncture treatments through their first trimester. Weekly visits offer much-needed reassurance during an exciting and tenuous time as well as support for physical symptoms such as morning sickness. 

For women who have experienced one or many miscarriages, laying down the foundation for a healthy pregnancy is paramount. Very often a miscarriage happens because an embryo is not genetically viable. However, there are other reasons for miscarriage. We look at risk factors such as autoimmunity and hormone balance and address these before a woman plans to conceive again.

Pre-birth treatments

Weekly acupuncture treatments are recommended beginning at week 36. Treatments help to gently ripen the cervix and address physical and emotional issues such as hemorrhoids, back pain and anxiety. Useful acupuncture points are located on the arms and legs and patients are shown how to apply acupressure at home for self-care.

Breech presentation

Acupuncture and moxa (heat therapy) can be used with best success between weeks 32-35 to help turn your baby. Treatments can be given after 35 weeks, but the baby will increasingly have less room to move and, therefore, there is less likely a chance that treatment will turn the baby. Patients are instructed how to use a moxa stick at home for one course of treatment (10 days).

Labor induction

Labor induction with acupuncture can be very successful, especially if treatments are given in a gentle, progressive fashion. “Labor induction” with acupuncture is not a single event as it is with conventional intervention. “Labor support” more appropriately describes the role of acupuncture around birth. Weekly treatments are recommended from week 36 to gently ripen the cervix. Microcurrent, “e-stim,” can be added to stimulate contractions a few days before a scheduled induction with pitocin. Each woman’s health history and experience with previous births is taken into account to fine-tune the treatment plan.

Postpartum support

From the baby blues to low milk supply, acupuncture is a wonderful modality for new mothers. Motherhood can be isolating, especially in the beginning with a newborn child. Talk to us about your experience. 

Common Conditions

• Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)

• Miscarriage prevention

• Morning sickness

• Fatigue

• Spotting

• Heartburn

• Hemorrhoids

• Gestational diabetes

• Gestational hypertension

• Back pain

• Pelvic Girdle Pain

• Pre-birth preparation

• Cervical ripening

• Labor Induction

• Low milk supply

• Postpartum depression/anxiety