When you’re pregnant, getting poked with needles might be the last thing you want to experience. But getting acupuncture during pregnancy could help you get through some of the more annoying side effects that come with being a mom-to-be. In fact, you might be surprised by how much you get out of it.

Whether you’re already pregnant or plan to try to conceive in the near future, here are six reasons why you should consider seeing an acupuncturist.

It Counteracts Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is not fun. When you’re pregnant, your body goes through lots of hormonal changes, which can induce morning sickness. Nausea and vomiting are common. Acupuncture can help relieve your symptoms. According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, a 2004 study conducted by the University Hospital in Sweden demonstrates just how effective acupuncture can be. The researchers found that 90% of women who underwent acupuncture experienced an improvement in their morning sickness symptoms.

It Relieves Lower Back Pain

As your pregnancy moves along and your baby grows inside your womb, you may experience lower back pain. It’s no surprise considering you have another person growing inside of you! Lower back pain from pregnancy can range from annoying to severe, so it’s a good thing that this procedure is so convenient and effective. According to the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, acupuncture can reduce lower back and pelvic pain.

It Reduces the Severity of Depression

About 25 percent of women experience depression during pregnancy. A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology demonstrates that acupuncture may help. The study divided clinically-depressed pregnant women into three groups—over eight weeks, the women would receive massage, acupuncture, or acupuncture that targets depression, depending on which group they were in. The results showed that 63 percent of women in the targeted group responded well to the treatment, compared to 44 percent in the other two groups.

It Can Reduce the Chances of Headaches

Pregnancy can feel like one long headache if you don’t take care of yourself. Research shows that acupuncture can help relieve headache symptoms and even reduce the chances of headaches occurring in the first place.

It Helps with Sleep

Getting good sleep during pregnancy can be difficult, but it is so important. Because insomnia often stems from pain and discomfort and acupuncture is known to treat pain, acupuncture during pregnancy can help to put you to sleep so that you can wake rested and ready to take on the day.

It’s Relaxing

Who needs (and deserves) to relax more than an expecting mother? Acupuncture is a very relaxing experience and can help dispel all of the stress that pregnancy causes.

For Acupuncture during Pregnancy, Contact Longevity

Want relief from your pregnancy symptoms? Get in touch with us today! New to the procedure and just want to discuss how it might help you? We will answer any questions that you have about acupuncture during pregnancy.