Acupuncture While Pregnant

So, your body is working overtime growing a tiny human, and now you’re dealing with aches, pains, and discomfort that make you wonder if you signed up for a nine-month endurance test. Pregnancy is magical, but it’s also a physical rollercoaster. As the baby grows in the uterus, they can press on the joints, back, and internal organs such as the stomach, bladder, and lungs and cause discomfort. Some moms-to-be swear by acupuncture for relief, but is it actually safe? Let’s dive in.

Key Takeaways

• Acupuncture is a medical technique with a centuries-old history, originating in China sometime before 100 BCE.
• The practice has been shown to reduce stress, morning sickness, aches, and pains.
• Acupuncture is a safe treatment for pregnant women
  
  

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a key player in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a practice that’s evolved over thousands of years to prevent and treat disease. Acupuncture is rooted in the belief that energy (qi, pronounced “chee”) flows through specific pathways called meridians. Meridians are pathways that are believed to carry this vital energy throughout the body. A balanced qi results in spiritual, emotional, and physical health, while an unbalanced one can result in disease.

To align one’s energy or qi, the acupuncturist uses ultra-fine needles (think thinner than a strand of hair) to target specific points along these meridians, releasing endorphins (natural opioid peptides released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland/your body’s natural painkillers) and helping your body recalibrate.

Acupuncture Points

There are over 2,000 acupuncture points mapped to 14 main meridian channels. Each one connects to a different organ or function in the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) has standardized acupuncture to include 361 key points along 14 pathways, corresponding to the following organs. 

• Lung (1)
• Large intestine (20)
• Stomach (45)
• Spleen (21)
• Heart (9)
• Small intestine (19)
• Bladder (67)
• Kidney (27)
• Pericardium (9)
• Gallbladder (44)
• Liver (14)
• Governing Vessel or sea of yang  (28)
• Conception Vessel or sea of yin (24)
• Triple energizer, an organ recognized in Chinese medicine but not Western medicine (23)
  
  

Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can come with nausea, swollen ankles, and back pain that can make you question your life choices. Acupuncture offers a drug-free way to manage these symptoms, but some women hesitate because they fear needles and believe it is painful. However,  it usually has, at most, some discomfort but little to no pain when expertly done. The needles penetrate the skin at specific pressure points where the individual feels the pain, and this pressure stops the pain. 

Not all acupuncture involves needles. Here are some alternative methods used in treatment:

• Acupressure: Uses finger pressure on key points to relieve pain.
• Dermal Friction (Gua Sha): Uses gentle strokes on the skin to stimulate healing.
• Moxibustion: Burns the herb “moxa” near the skin to encourage circulation.
• Cupping: Places suction cups on the skin to promote blood flow.
  

Please note: the U.S. FDA regulates acupuncture needles.

Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Pregnancy limits your medication options, so anything that offers relief without a pharmacy run is a win. If you’re aches and pains prevent you from doing your daily tasks, acupuncture is worth the try. Some studies have shown that acupuncture is a great intervention for perceived stress in pregnant women, reducing tiredness significantly. 

Benefits of acupuncture include:

Alleviates morning sickness: Around 75% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness, and about 50% suffer from both vomiting and nausea in the 1st trimester. Acupuncture that targets the wrist can help treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.  

Reduces water retention: The pressure in your womb can lead to fluid build-up, and this can bring discomfort, especially in the legs, ankles, and feet. Acupuncture can be used to re-balance and strengthen kidney function, reducing the need to use pharmaceutical products such as diuretics, which can be harmful to the mother and baby.

Promotes better sleep: Sleep is important, but to be honest, it can be elusive during pregnancy. Acupuncture while pregnant can improve sleep quality. Research has found that acupuncture can significantly improve sleep quality in people with insomnia, increase sleep duration, reduce sleep onset latency, and decrease the number of awakenings during the night.

Reduces lower back and pelvic pain: Growing a baby shifts your center of gravity and can leave your lower back feeling like it’s carrying a truckload of bricks. Acupuncture can provide much-needed relief.

Relieves heartburn: Heartburn is a common gut issue in pregnant women. The symptoms can be severe and distressing, and acupuncture helps to alleviate these symptoms when pressure is applied on the acupuncture point Stomach 44 (on the web between the 2nd and 3rd toes).  

Acupuncture and IVF

According to some studies, acupuncture can be beneficial for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), particularly before embryo transfer. This can have a positive impact on the IVF outcome for many women. If you are unsure whether acupuncture is a great option for you, the compassionate healthcare providers at  PNWF will be able to guide you through the decision. 

Risks of Acupuncture in pregnancy

A skilled acupuncturist will know which points to avoid. Some points can trigger uterine contractions or are located in sensitive areas that are best left alone during pregnancy. These points include:

• Spleen 6
• Large intestine 4
• Urinary bladder 60, 67
• Gallbladder 21
• Lung 7
• Conception vessels 3-7 (in the lower abdomen)
• Governing vessels 27-34 (between the coccyx bone and the anus)
  

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes—when performed by a trained professional who knows their way around a pregnant body. Before your appointment, it’s important to consult with your OB/GYN. Do due diligence when looking for an acupuncturist to ensure they are licensed and knowledgeable. Check if they know which points to avoid, like the Hegu (L14) that can cause uterine contractions or lower abdominal points (CV3-CV7), which can stimulate the uterus.

In Summary

Regular acupuncture sessions could be a game-changer for pregnancy-related discomfort. But, like with any medical treatment, get the green light from your doctor first. Additionally, do your research, find a reputable acupuncturist, and communicate your symptoms clearly. If done correctly, acupuncture could help make your pregnancy journey