Pregnancy and Fertility
Want to Get Pregnant? Currently Pregnant? Just Had a Baby? Thinking about in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI)?
Get Acupuncture!
Acupuncture can increase your chances of conception, promote a healthy pregnancy, and support you after giving birth*. During pregnancy, you often can’t use the medications you may normally use for colds and cases of flu, allergies, pain, migraines, etc. Acupuncture is an effective alternative that is safe for both mom and baby.
In general, acupuncture works by activating your parasympathetic nervous system and stimulating the production of your body’s innate endorphins (your pain-killing and happiness hormones). This helps regulate your hormonal balance, reduces stress, and helps your body systems to function optimally.
Reproductive Health for Menstrual Pain and Optimal Fertility
Regular acupuncture treatment helps regulate your menstrual cycle and addresses issues including polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. Acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus and improves ovum quality. It is also a great accompaniment to assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), frozen embryo transfer, or Intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Pro Tip: Menstrual conditions & conception support are best treated 1-2x weekly for 3 months to start or until desired results are achieved.
When I’m Pregnant
Acupuncture can offer you peace of mind and physical wellbeing in your first trimester. If you have a history of miscarriage or are concerned about maintaining the pregnancy, acupuncture is a great choice. A randomized controlled study found that acupuncture is effective and safe for treating nausea and vomiting in pregnancy*. It is also useful for treating concerns like back pain, stress, colds and cases of flu, headaches, and anxiety throughout pregnancy.
Preparing for Birth
Start getting treated 1-2 times per week from 36-37 weeks until delivery to prepare you for labor and address concerns such as swelling, carpal tunnel, back pain, insomnia, anxiety, and to help you feel your best. If your baby is breech, or not in an ideal position, start acupuncture as early as 34 weeks. For breech babies, we prescribe a specific protocol that includes doing heat therapy (moxibustion) at home. Research has shown:*
35% reduction in the number of inductions (for women having their first baby the reduction was 43%)
31% reduction in the epidural rate
32% reduction in emergency cesarean delivery
9% increase in normal vaginal births.
No increase in early labor compared to the control
During Labor and Postpartum Recovery
Have an acupuncturist treat you while in labor to help increase the efficacy of contractions, manage pain, for back labor, and/or help reposition the baby*. The time after you give birth can be transformative to your overall health. Getting treated with acupuncture will help to bring in milk, build blood, heal from birth trauma, and bring your body back to its original state. Home visits are an option, talk to your acupuncturist.
What Can Acupuncture Help With?
Anxiety, depression, & insomnia
Fatigue, exhaustion, & anemia
Nausea, vomiting, & heartburn
Reproductive health
Cramping and menstrual pain
Pregnancy related discomforts
Pre-birth treatment to prepare you for an efficient labor
Postpartum recovery
Breech & posterior babies
Grief and post-traumatic birth recovery
Threatened miscarriage
Constipation
Urinary tract infections
Musculoskeletal conditions
Varicose veins
Itching in pregnancy
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Click on the links below to learn more about our other services.
Acupuncture Treatment | Cupping Treatment | Pediatric Acupuncture | Herbal Consultation | Massage Therapy