Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. It brings joy as well as challenges into the life of women. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes, which can cause various symptoms and new health issues. Acupuncture can address common pregnancy discomforts and health problems.

As Walnut Creek’s leading pregnancy acupuncturist, Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness has put together a guide to some of the commonly sought-after benefits of acupuncture for expecting moms.

Relieves Morning Sickness

Most women get morning sickness during pregnancy. Morning sickness can occur at any time, not just in the morning. The urge to vomit is usually triggered by specific scents or foods and tends to be most prevalent during the first trimester.

Research shows that acupuncture can stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more ACTH and endorphins, which helps inhibit the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), an area of the brain responsible for inducing vomiting.

Stress can make morning sickness worse. Acupuncture can alleviate stress by stimulating the body to release feel-good hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin that promote well-being. In addition, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, so it can work effectively to reduce stress and anxiety.

High levels of stomach acids can lead to heartburn and nausea. Acupuncture can help decrease the secretion of stomach acid.

Treats Antepartum Depression 

Antepartum depression is more common than many people think. It affects around 15% of pregnancies. Antepartum depression can increase the risk of pregnancy complications and lead to premature birth or low birth weight.

A study conducted in 2010 concluded that both acupuncture and massage were beneficial for women with depressive symptoms. In the study, research participants were divided into two groups. One group received acupuncture, whereas the other group received conventional depression treatment. At the end of the study, it was observed that the women in the group that received acupuncture reported a reduction in their overall symptoms comparable to those who received conventional depression treatments.

Reduces Aches and Pains

Relaxin, a hormone produced during pregnancy, causes joints to become more relaxed, leading to pelvic or back pain. In addition, the added weight from the baby’s growing body puts extra stress on these areas, especially in the latter stages of pregnancy, aggravating pain.

An acupuncturist can stimulate specific acupuncture points to strengthen the spine and alleviate back pain associated with pregnancy.

Pains during labor are caused by uterine contractions and pelvic floor stretching as the baby is born. A 2020 review of 28 recent studies found that acupuncture was effective in reducing labor pain and the need for pain medications, including epidurals.

Can Help Turn a Breech Baby

If your baby is positioned to come out feet-first instead of head-first, they are in the breech position. It is generally unsafe for a breech baby to be born vaginally. Stimulating acupuncture point BL67 can help turn breech babies, so they can present head-first.

Are you looking for a holistic approach to health during your pregnancy? Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness can help. Our acupuncturists use the power of pregnancy acupuncture in Walnut Creek to help alleviate some common pregnancy troubles many expecting moms face. Our ability to develop customized treatment plans to meet our patient’s unique healthcare needs sets us apart from other Walnut Creek acupuncture clinics. To book your first appointment, click here.