Acupuncture is commonly used during pregnancy to relieve discomfort and assist the body through numerous ailments during all three trimesters. Most importantly, it can be taken safely alongside traditional medical treatment.
Acupuncture is safe, according to studies, as there is no significant difference in delivery outcomes between women who undergo acupuncture and women who do not. If you’re starting a new regimen or have any questions, always consult your healthcare provider. So, if you are looking for pregnancy acupuncture services in Melbourne, you are at the right place.
Here are a few points that will justify why acupuncture services during pregnancy:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Carpal tunnel syndrome is defined by the entrapment of the median nerve in the wrist by the transverse carpal ligament during pregnancy (typically in the third trimester). It usually occurs due to hormonal changes and edoema, which causes increased pressure in the affected area. Numbness and tingling in the fingers are common symptoms. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to help people with carpal tunnel syndrome improve their symptoms, function, and pain.
Malformations of the Fetus
Fortunately, only approximately 5% of newborns are born breech. If your baby is breech beyond weeks 32 or 34 of pregnancy, you may want to attempt some natural methods to urge your baby to flip head-down for a vaginal birth. Moxibustion (with your Naturopathic Doctor or Acupuncturist) or the Webster Technique (with your Chiropractor) are two techniques that can help your baby turn more easily.
Moxibustion (also known as moxa) is applying heat generated by the burning of a moxa stick. While we don’t know precisely what moxa does, one notion is that it causes turning by boosting uterine contractions and foetal activity. Our mothers always mention that their babies move a lot more during the therapy when we conduct it on them!
We recommend initiating moxa during the third trimester. However, uterine and placental abnormalities, multiple gestation, ruptured membranes, single or double footling breech, and vaginal bleeding, are all contraindications to moxa. Furthermore, moxa may aggravate hypertensive problems of pregnancy.
Heartburn
Heartburn, belching, bloating, epigastric pain or discomfort, and regurgitation are all frequent signs of digestive issues during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly progesterone, are frequently to blame, and Acupuncture was found to reduce heartburn symptoms in one research.
Preparation for Labor
Many pregnant women will begin weekly acupuncture sessions toward the end of the third trimester to prepare their bodies for labour. This is known as “cervical ripening.” The idea is that when you go into labour – or if you are induced – your cervix will be ready to go, allowing things to move along more quickly. Acupuncture is beneficial in managing and reducing pain in labour, minimising the need for pharmacological pain relief, lowering c-section rates, and enhancing pain management.
According to research, acupuncture may also result in a quicker time to labour onset and shorter labour duration. According to those who have received it, acupuncture treatment for pregnant women improves their self-control in dealing with the labour process. Around 36 weeks, we recommend starting weekly treatments.
Conclusion
If you’re suffering from any of the following symptoms and want to try acupuncture, please contact one of the best acupuncturists to schedule an appointment.