by Dr. Alex Heyne Contributor

Acupuncture for Pregnancy: A Natural Approach to Maternal Wellbeing

Acupuncture for pregnancy is a centuries-old practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that has gained significant attention in modern healthcare.

It involves the strategic insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate discomfort, address various pregnancy-related issues, and promote overall well-being for both the mother and the developing baby.

This holistic approach aims to balance the body’s energy flow, or qi, and has been embraced by many expectant mothers seeking natural remedies for common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, back pain, fatigue, and even emotional stress.

Many women report experiencing relief and improved health outcomes through this gentle and non-invasive therapy during their pregnancy journey.

Benefits of Pregnancy Acupuncture

Acupuncture offers a multitude of benefits for pregnant women, addressing both physical and emotional wellbeing throughout this transformative period.

Physically, it serves as a remarkable tool for easing prevalent pregnancy discomforts like nausea, back pain, and fatigue, providing much-needed relief without the use of medications. Additionally, its gentle approach aids in fostering better sleep patterns and inducing relaxation, crucial for a pregnant woman’s overall health.

Emotionally, acupuncture shines in its ability to manage stress, anxiety, and mood swings, offering a sanctuary for women to find balance amidst the hormonal changes and psychological challenges of pregnancy.

In a 2017 preliminary study, the impact of acupressure, acupuncture, and moxibustion (oriental treatments) on preventing perinatal depression relapse in women with pregnancy-related anxiety and prior depression was investigated.

Among 48 women with these conditions, 10 (21%) received oriental treatments during pregnancy or postpartum. Of these, only one (10%) experienced depressive symptoms, whereas among the 38 women who did not receive these treatments, 18 (47%) reported depressive symptoms.

By enhancing emotional equilibrium, this ancient practice contributes significantly to the holistic wellness of expectant mothers, allowing them to navigate their journey with a sense of calm and stability.

Watch: The Three Best Herbs to Fight Depression | 4 Acupuncture Points to Calm Your Mind and Body | What is Moxibustion (Moxa)? | Postpartum Depression: How Chinese Medicine Views It

Acupuncture for Fertility

Acupuncture offers a potential avenue for those seeking assistance with conception. Acupuncture is believed to positively impact fertility by enhancing blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulating hormone levels, and reducing stress levels, all of which play crucial roles in optimizing fertility.

For individuals facing fertility challenges, acupuncture serves as a supportive measure, addressing specific issues such as irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, and even conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.

A 2021 scientific review aimed to assess acupuncture’s efficacy and safety for patients experiencing recurrent implantation failure (RIF) undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Seven eligible randomized controlled trials were analyzed.

Results indicated that acupuncture intervention significantly improved outcomes such as clinical pregnancy rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, and endometrial thickness compared to the control group.

Despite methodological flaws in many reviews, evidence suggests acupuncture might enhance the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) during IVF-ET compared to sham acupuncture or no adjunctive treatment.

Acupuncture showed superiority in increasing CPR and ongoing pregnancy rate compared to no adjunctive treatment, along with reducing miscarriage and biochemical pregnancy rates.

By promoting overall well-being and potentially addressing these underlying factors, acupuncture stands as a promising adjunctive approach for individuals navigating the complexities of fertility and conception.

Read More: Acupuncture for Fertility

The Role of Acupuncture in Different Trimesters

Throughout the various trimesters of pregnancy, acupuncture plays a multifaceted role in supporting the physical and emotional well-being of expectant mothers.

In the first trimester, characterized by nausea, fatigue, and hormonal shifts, acupuncture offers relief by alleviating these discomforts and aiding in restoring energy levels.

As the pregnancy progresses into the second trimester, the focus shifts towards managing aches, pains, and ensuring a balance in the body. Acupuncture becomes instrumental in addressing musculoskeletal issues and maintaining overall equilibrium.

In the final trimester, preparation for labor becomes a key aspect, and acupuncture steps in to help manage discomforts associated with the advanced stages of pregnancy while promoting relaxation and potentially facilitating an optimal state for childbirth. Its adaptability across the trimesters highlights acupuncture’s versatility in addressing the evolving needs of pregnant women throughout their journey.

A 2018 study investigated acupuncture’s impact on labor induction in cases of prolonged pregnancy at 41 + 5 weeks. Among 375 women enrolled, those receiving acupuncture every odd day from 40 + 2 to 41 + 4 weeks showed a significantly lower rate of induction compared to those who received routine care (19.6% vs. 38%).

Specifically, the acupuncture group had a lower incidence of induction due to prolonged pregnancy (5.3% vs. 10.1%). Additionally, the acupuncture group demonstrated reduced oxytocin infusion rates compared to the observation group.

This suggests that acupuncture at term pregnancy might effectively reduce the need for induction at 41 + 5 weeks and decrease oxytocin use, potentially influencing better birth outcomes for the child.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Acupuncture, when administered by a qualified practitioner, is considered safe during pregnancy, but certain precautions and best practices are essential for a positive experience.

Seeking a licensed acupuncturist with expertise in prenatal care is crucial to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. It’s advisable to communicate openly with the practitioner about the pregnancy, including any complications or concerns, to tailor the treatment accordingly.

While some worry about potential risks, studies suggest that when performed by a skilled professional using sterile needles, acupuncture poses minimal risk during pregnancy.

A 2014 systematic review aimed to assess the safety of acupuncture during pregnancy by analyzing reported adverse events (AEs) associated with the treatment. Among 105 included studies, only 25 provided detailed AE data.

The identified AEs, mostly mild/moderate in severity, were primarily related to needling pain. Severe AEs were rare and were not likely caused by acupuncture.

The total incidence of AEs was 1.9%, with 1.3% attributed to acupuncture. Overall, when appropriately administered, acupuncture during pregnancy seems to be associated with few adverse events.

As with any medical intervention, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider before starting acupuncture or any complementary therapy during pregnancy to ensure it aligns with individual health circumstances.

Pregnancy and Herbal Formulas

In addition to acupuncture, herbal formulas present a promising avenue for enhancing at-risk pregnancies and alleviating common side effects experienced during this transformative period.

These formulas, tailored to individual needs, have shown potential in improving the health of both the mother and the developing baby, particularly in cases where pregnancies are considered high-risk. They also help those with fertility issues conceive.

A 2017 case presented a 43-year-old woman with ovarian issues, fibroids, and failed IVF attempts. She turned to Chinese Herbal Medicine which, over 6 months, regulated her menstrual cycle, boosted progesterone levels, and led to a natural pregnancy and healthy birth. This case suggests Chinese Herbal Medicine as a viable alternative for managing fertility issues like ovarian insufficiency and fibroids when IVF fails.

Additionally, TCM herbal remedies have been recognized for their ability to address pregnancy-related discomforts such as morning sickness. The carefully curated herbal blends aim to restore balance within the body, providing relief from nausea and other symptoms while minimizing potential risks.

Conclusion

Acupuncture during pregnancy offers a range of benefits, from easing common discomforts like nausea and back pain to supporting emotional balance and preparing for labor. When conducted by a skilled professional, it’s generally considered safe, but it’s important to seek a licensed practitioner and communicate openly about pregnancy-related concerns.

Considering its potential advantages and safety measures, pregnant women might find acupuncture to be a valuable addition to their prenatal care regimen. Exploring this natural approach can empower expectant mothers, providing a holistic means of nurturing their well-being throughout the beautiful journey of pregnancy.

Watch: Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling