While this topic seems to be geared toward those expecting or planning to get pregnant, many of us have friends or family who plan to have a child, so the more ears and eyes aware of the tools out there that can help, the better.
It’s apparent that we’ve created a culture here in the US of fear around pregnancy – and I and other acupuncturists and herbalists are here to say that pregnancy can be a really wonderful experience and that it’s truly the beginning of someone’s life. The time in utero is a critical time and should be protected.
Acupuncture and herbs are safe throughout the entire pregnancy!
Of course choose someone who has experience and training in working with pregnant women. At Energy Flow, we create a customized treatment plan to prepare someone for a healthy pregnancy, and we help support each stage of the pregnancy.
As you may know, the United States is behind most developed countries in maternal care and prenatal and postnatal health. Acupuncturists who specialize in women’s health and pregnancy, like me, are here to change that. We are dedicated to changing outcomes for the better. Here’s more about some issues that can arise during and after pregnancy and how acupuncture and herbs can help.
Conditions treated during pregnancy:
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Pain
Pain is blockage. Acupuncture is specifically designed to release blockages in the energy meridians of the body thus removing the block to flow that results in pain. Trust me, you don’t want drains on your energy during pregnancy – you need all the energy you can get to grow the baby and prepare for caring for the baby. Not to mention all your other responsibilities.
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Nausea and Vomiting
While some queasiness or nausea is normal and even can be a good sign in the first trimester, feeling sick beyond the first trimester, or continual vomiting in the first trimester, should be treated. Hyperemesis gravidarum patients respond well to acupuncture and herbs.
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Keep the Bowels Moving!
This is especially important during pregnancy and postpartum. If you are not eliminating every day, this is a sign that your system needs rebalancing to adjust for baby’s presence.
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Indigestion, AKA acid reflux or heartburn
When I was pregnant the first time, I thought it was normal to have heartburn and didn’t think of it as something that needed correcting other than to take baking soda water all the time! Again, this is not par for the course! It can and should be eased.
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Urinary urgency, frequency, or stress incontinence
Yes, there is a baby sitting on top of your bladder, however, the body is designed to compensate for this normally. This can improve with treatment, making your life in those last months, especially, much more comfortable!
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Swelling and Fluid Imbalances
Acupuncture and herbs help tremendously with balancing fluids so that swelling is greatly reduced and amniotic fluid levels can be regulated in cases of polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios. Fluids metabolism and balance is a major focus of East Asian Medicine.
7. Improve Outcomes for High Risk Pregnancies
The known benefits of acupuncture including reducing stress, which helps to regulate metabolic functions like blood pressure, relieving pain, and improving circulation are all going to be beneficial especially when treatments occur throughout the pregnancy regularly. This is an excellent addition to prenatal care for high risk pregnancies.
Homework Assignments for Expectant Parents
In addition to using acupuncture and herbs in the clinic, we also send expectant parents home with acupressure instructions including points for the partner to press or rub during labor.
Pregnancy and childbirth are very special times in a woman’s life, and we are passionate about partnering with families for support throughout. We’d love to discuss partnering with you, just call or text 630-335-1069 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
