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Pregnancy & Pre-Birth Acupuncture

For thousands of years Chinese medicine has treated millions of pregnant women safely and effectively. The photo here is from the 7th century showing acupuncture points on a pregnant woman. The first writings on gynecology were from over 2500 years ago, they were inscriptions on bones and tortoise shells telling how to treat problems during childbirth.

Acupuncture during pregnancy can bring much relief to a woman for a number of unwanted symptoms. It’s a safe, effective, non-invasive way to manage care where western medicine has little to offer. Here are a list of symptoms that can be safely and effectively treated during pregnancy.

  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Constipation
  • Musculo-skeletal conditions
  • Fatigue and exhaustion
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Breech and posterior position
  • Induction
  • Prebirth treatment to prepare the body for an efficient labor
  • Premature labor
  • Pain relief and problems during labor
  • Acupressure for labor
  • Postpartum recovery

    • Pre-birth acupuncture begins in week 37 and is given for 4 or 5 weeks depending on if the woman has gone into labor. If not an acupuncture induction can be given a day or two before the doctor  plans a medical induction.

    Acupuncture has been demonstrated to have significant immune-modulating effects. This effect may be important in reducing the risk of rejection by the mother’s immune system in the early days as the embryo implants and a pregnancy is established.

    Acupuncture can be used to enhance microcirculation in the uterine lining and the newly developing placenta. This may have particular importance if you have a tendency to produce clotting factors but could also be useful where that is not the case.

    In addition regular monitoring of the pulse (a TCM diagnostic technique) and regular treatment with Acupuncture designed to reduce anxiety offers you important and reassuring support during these first few weeks of pregnancy. Clinical trials have shown that regular weekly monitoring and reassurance reduces miscarriage rates.

    Pregnancy & Pre-Birth Program

    Treatment duration: Approximately 40 weeks

    Acupuncture treatment: One treatment per week, weeks one to 12, one treatment wk 16, wk 23, wk 30, one treatment per week, weeks 37 to 40 for a total of 20 treatments.

    Supplements: Pro DHA 1500-2000mg/day (Nordic Naturals), Prenatal multivitamin, Folic Acid 1mg/day

    Exercise: Walk 30 minutes two to three times per week. Prenatal Yoga twice a week. 10 minutes daily meditation

    503. 901. 2075