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Acupuncture helps pregnant women decrease anxiety and anxiety-related insomnia.[/caption]
For many women anxiety is a hallmark of pregnancy. Worries about the health of the fetus, the impending changes, financial issues, and the ramifications of taking time off from work or school create a very real tension and concern. Furthermore many are reluctant to consume pharmaceuticals, drugs, or herbs, to reduce anxiety for fear of impacts to the growing fetus.
Thankfully, acupuncture is an effective non-pharmaceutical therapy for anxiety and anxiety-related insomnia.
How Do I Know if I Could Benefit from Acupuncture for Anxiety During My Pregnancy?
If you're dealing with the following during your pregnancy, acupuncture can help:
- Anxiety occurring at least a few times a week that causes you to feel tense, have headaches, have a racing heart, and/or feel dizzy;
- Anxiety that stops you from doing activities you enjoy;
- Anxiety that causes you to have trouble falling asleep or getting back to sleep at night; and/or
- Anxiety that impacts your ability to eat and/or properly digest healthy foods.
Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, acupuncture is safe during pregnancy. The most common side effect of acupuncture is mild bruising at the site of the needles. We recommend working with an acupuncturist who specializes in working with pregnant clients so that you can ensure that a variety of pregnancy-related issues can also be addressed.
Acupuncture is safe at any stage of pregnancy -- from immediately after implantation through the end of the third trimester.
What Else Can Acupuncture Help With During Pregnancy?
Acupuncture is effective for a wide variety of conditions and discomforts during pregnancy such as the following:
- Morning sickness;
- Fatigue;
- Insomnia;
- Reflux / heartburn and/or indigestion;
- Constipation;
- Hip pain;
- Pelvic pain;
- Sciatica;
- Low, mid, or upper back pain;
- Headaches;
- Stress and overwhelm; and more.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
At Inspire Family Acupuncture we use some of the thinnest acupuncture needles on the market. Our clients typically feel very little when the needles are inserted. Sometimes there is a quick pinch or a feeling of heaviness with the needles.
Once the needles are inserted you'll rest for about thirty minutes. Typically during that time you'll feel very restful. Often our clients feel like they are in "la la land" -- somewhat similar to how you feel when you're falling asleep. Many of our clients nap with the needles in.
In later pregnancy if we are providing a nourishing/energizing treatment the baby can become active in the womb and use it as a chance to move around and say hello!
How Do I Get Started?
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area you can call Inspire Family Acupuncture to discuss starting treatment. If you're not local to us you should look for "acupuncture for pregnancy near me" and interview a few practitioners until you find the one you feel most comfortable with.
Here's to your growing family's health!
