Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Labor; viable, healthy and comfortable pregnancy

Acupuncture can help women have a viable, healthy and comfortable pregnancy.

Herbs and acupuncture can prevent miscarriage by promoting overall health and circulation throughout the body

Ensuring that essential nutrients are passed from mother to baby.

Acupuncture is also effective at easing pregnancy discomforts such as:

Nausea/vomiting
Heartburn
Fatigue
Insomnia
Constipation
Anxiety & Depression in Pregnancy
Itching
Breech & Posterior Presentations
Edema
Pregnancy Sinusitis
Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and vulval varicosities

Pre-birth acupuncture

At the end of the third trimester can help prepare the cervix and pelvis for labor. A series of 3 weekly acupuncture treatments has been shown to reduce mean labor time from 8 hours and two minutes to six hours and 36 minutes. Midwives have also reported a lower rate of medical intervention when pre-birth acupuncture is administered starting at 36-37 weeks gestation.

Acupuncture to Initiate Labor

Starting around 39 weeks, acupuncture can be used to initiate labor and help women avoid a medical induction. From a Traditional Chinese Medical view point, labor is expected when three factors occur simultaneously. Yang activity becomes predominant over Yin growth, qi and blood begin to move freely, and the uterus dilates. When these events sync up, an easy harmonious labor ensues. Our acupuncturists have had the honor of inducing a number of births naturally. Many women report increased fetal movement during acupuncture, with labor following 2-4 days later. We recommend treatments are continued every 3 days.

The Journal of Maternity Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, published a study in Aug 2006. The study was conducted to evaluate the utility of outpatient acupuncture for pregnancy and labor induction treatments. The results were very encouraging. Compared to controls, women in the acupuncture group tended to be 70% more likely to labor spontaneously and 39% less likely to deliver by cesarean section.

In the cases where labor does not start spontaneously, acupuncture can encourage the early changes that precede labor. As a result a woman’s Bishop score can increase so, she is a better candidate for medical induction.

Our acupuncturists, all of whom specialize in women’s health, are happy to answer any questions you may have about how Traditional Chinese medicine can help you. Reach out to our office at 773-276-2801 and we can check your insurance benefits or set up your appointment. We look forward to supporting you on your health journey!

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