Pregnancy is a magical time in a woman's life and yet it can also be highly uncomfortable. Pregnant women often wish to avoid taking medications during pregnancy, so acupuncture is a perfect way to relieve symptoms.
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Acupuncture helps to relieve common pregnancy symptoms[/caption]
Did you know that acupuncture can help with these common pregnancy symptoms?
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Hip pain
- Back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Sinusitis
- Edema/swelling
Read on to learn more about it!
Nausea, Constipation, and Heartburn in Pregnancy
Nausea, constipation, and heartburn are all common pregnancy conditions due to hormonal changes in the body and the physical impact of hosting the fetus inside an already busy torso. Acupuncture is used to support healthy digestion by moving food more effectively through the digestive tract (known as peristalsis), reducing upper digestive inflammation, and reducing nervous system tension which can poorly impact digestion.
Fatigue in Pregnancy
Pregnancy requires an incredible amount of energy from mom. These days most of us are juggling jobs, school, and/or caregiving with family while being pregnant and can wind up feeling exhausted as a result. At Inspire Family Acupuncture we use a combination of acupuncture, moxibustion, and Chinese medical dietary advice to support our pregnant mothers in having more energy.
Insomnia in Pregnancy
Insomnia is a super common side effect of pregnancy, whether due to anxiety, physical discomfort or pain, or other imbalances in the body. Acupuncture helps to relax the nervous system, relieve pain, and support healthy sleeping patterns. Where appropriate we also prescribe safe herbal medicines to improve sleep quality and quantity.
Anxiety and Stress in Pregnancy
Acupuncture is well known for its ability to help people move from a stressed "fight or flight" state into a relaxed "rest and digest" state. In fact, many people fall asleep during acupuncture sessions as their bodies are able to fully relax and repair. We use acupuncture as well as herbal medicine when desired to support mothers in reducing anxiety and stress levels during pregnancy. This can help reduce some of the physical manifestations of ongoing anxiety and stress such as insomnia, digestive upset, heart palpitations, and more.
Pain During Pregnancy
Many women experience some form of pain during their pregnancy, most commonly during the third trimester. As the body adapts to the growing abdomen and large shifts in mom's center of gravity it's common to have pain in the back, hips, and pelvis. Acupuncture and cupping are two great non-pharmaceutical options for relaxing tight muscles and reducing chronic pain.
Sinusitis in Pregnancy
For some women, sinusitis is a persistent issue during their pregnancies. Acupuncture can be used to reduce overall mucus production, improve immune function, and decrease sinus congestion. We also prescribe herbal medicine if needed to help with persistent sinus congestion and inflammation.
Edema (Swelling) in Pregnancy
Especially in the third trimester some women experience significant leg or hand swelling (edema). Acupuncture can be used to enhance circulation, improve the body's removal of excess water/lymph, and reduce the pain and discomfort of swelling.
How to Find an Acupuncturist For Pregnancy Support
At Inspire Family Acupuncture we recommend searching for an acupuncturist near you who specializes in pregnancy support. Check your acupuncturist's website and reviews to ensure that they have experience and expertise with pregnancy support.
We wish you the best in your pregnancy, delivery, and new family life with your little one!
