As an acupuncturist who focuses on helping women with fertility and pregnancy related issues, I have witnessed many times the sheer joy that comes with discovering that one is pregnant. It’s an experience like no other to hear from a patient that after coming to me they were finally able to conceive, and I’ll never tire of it. While being pregnant does have its health challenges, acupuncture for pregnancy related discomfort can help make the journey more enjoyable so that you can focus on the blessing of bringing a new life into the world instead of on the aches and pains.
Here are three ways acupuncture can help relieve your pregnancy induced discomfort.
Acupuncture for Pregnancy Low Back Pain
One of the most common problems that pregnant women report to their doctors is an increase in low back pain, especially during late pregnancy. Between month six and month nine of pregnancy, about three-quarters of pregnant women experience some sort of low back pain. This discomfort and pain often affects things like sleep and the ability to perform routine tasks. According to one study that looked at 60 women with low back pain, acupuncture reduces pain symptoms better than other forms of treatment.
In the study, participants were given 10 rounds of acupuncture treatment or physical therapy. Participants were instructed to rate their pain on a scale of zero to 10 before, during, and after their treatments. While those who received physical therapy reported an average reduction in pain of one and a half points in the morning and two points in the evening, the participants who received acupuncture reported an average pain reduction of two and six points in the morning and evening respectively.
Acupuncture for Morning Sickness
Acupuncture is also an effective treatment for morning sickness. As one of the first discomforting symptoms to present during pregnancy, morning sickness often obscures the happiness that many women want to feel when they get the good news. In one study conducted by the University Hospital in Sweden, 90% of participants reported a reduction in their morning sickness symptoms.
Acupuncture for Pregnancy Related Headaches
With all of the hormonal and bodily changes that take place during pregnancy, it’s no wonder that many women experience an increase in headaches. Another recent study in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine shows how acupuncture for pregnancy headaches can be when paired with lifestyle modifications. The study split 43 women into two groups—one that received routine care such as lifestyle changes and stretching and one that also received acupuncture treatments. The women in the latter group demonstrated better pain relief without the use of medication, while also reporting better improvements in sleep and mood.
Ready to try acupuncture for pregnancy related discomfort?
If you’re tired of dealing with the aches and pains that come with pregnancy and are looking for a natural treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. Contact Longevity Acupuncture today and set up your consultation.