Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine During Pregnancy: A Holistic Approach to Maternal Health

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) have been used for centuries to support women throughout pregnancy, from pre-conception planning to post-birth recovery. This holistic approach is designed to nurture both mother and baby, addressing common pregnancy symptoms and enhancing overall well-being.

Chinese medicine offers a unique, individualized treatment plan throughout each stage of pregnancy. Acupuncture and CHM may help alleviate many common pregnancy symptoms, including:

– Fatigue

– Morning sickness

– Digestive issues (reflux, heartburn, bloating)

– Emotional issues (stress, anxiety, depression)

– Nausea

– Pain – Lower back pain, Sciatica, neck and shoulder pain, leg / hand pain, generliazed pregnancy pain.

(LIddle et al.,2015) (Mathews et al., 2015)

 

The first trimester is a delicate stage in pregnancy, particularly for women who have experienced prior miscarriages. During these early weeks, acupuncture and CHM help to strengthen the body and support the proper flow of blood and energy (Qi) to the uterus, ensuring the developing baby receives the nutrients and energy needed for growth.

As blood and energy are directed toward the uterus, many women experience digestive disturbances such as morning sickness, nausea, heartburn, and reflux. (Mathews et al., 2015). Acupuncture assits to regulate energy flow and relieve these symptoms, while tailored herbal formulas further support the body. Evidence suggests that acupuncture may assist in maintaining a stable pregnancy during this critical stage (Betts et al., 2016).

The second trimester is often the most stable period of pregnancy, but some women may still experience discomfort and emotional fluctuations. Acupuncture is highly effective in addressing physical symptoms such as lower back pain, sciatica, and pelvic instability. Regular treatments can reduce pain and promote balance as the baby continues to grow. (Liddle et al, 2015)

Chinese herbal medicine, with acupuncgture during this stage often focuses on calming the Shen (emotional center) to manage assit with stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Additionally, digestive issues and oedema (water retention / sweeleing of the ankles, feet and legs) may arise, which acupuncture and herbal treatments may help alleviate, providing relief and promoting proper digestion.

 

As the body approaches labor, significant changes occur to prepare for birth. Common discomforts like sciatica, lower back pain, and pelvic instability often increase due to the growing baby. Acupuncture treatments during this stage aim to alleviate these symptoms, while also preparing the body for labor by encouraging uterine contractions and cervical ripening.

Acupuncture and moxibustion (the burning of mugwort over specific acupuncture points) are particularly beneficial for women with breech or transverse presentations, where the baby is positioned head-up or sideways instead of head-down (cephalic position). Research supports the use of these therapies to assist in turning the baby, with the optimal time to start treatment being between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. (Evidenced based Acupunture and UK Obstetric and gynecolgical Society 2021)

According to Evidence Based Acupuncture, studies show that moxibustion is effective in stimulating specific points (most commonly BL 67, located on the small toe) to encourage babies to move into the correct position. A Cochrane review (Smith et al., 2020) found that acupuncture and moxibustion significantly increased the likelihood of turning a breech baby to a head-down position, reducing the need for medical interventions such as external cephalic version (ECV) or cesarean sections.

The UK Obstetric and Gynecological Society also acknowledges the benefits of acupuncture and moxibustion for breech presentation. Their research indicates that moxibustion, when performed by a trained practitioner, can help increase the likelihood of a successful vaginal birth by turning the baby to a head-down position.

In the final weeks of pregnancy, acupuncture is commonly used to prepare the body for labor. Treatments focus on ripening the cervix, relieving late-stage pregnancy discomforts, and promoting stress relief and relaxation. One-on-one acupressure sessions are also available to teach birth partners how to assist with pain relief and relaxation techniques during labor.

Acupuncture is a highly effective tool for women as they approach labor. By promoting relaxation and preparing the body, acupuncture can help facilitate a smoother labor experience. Studies indicate that acupuncture and acupressure during labor can significantly reduce the need for pain medication and medical interventions (Levett et al., 2016).

Supporting Pregnancy Through a Holistic Approach

In addition to acupuncture and herbal treatments, holistic pregnancy care often includes massage, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle recommendations. These therapies work together to support the mother’s body, reduce stress, and promote a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture sessions are tailored to each woman’s needs, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing both physical and emotional health.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a natural way to support both mother and baby throughout pregnancy, helping to have a healthy, balanced journey.

References:

1. Betts, D., Smith, C. A., & Dahlen, H. (2016). Does acupuncture have a role in the treatment of threatened miscarriage? Findings from a feasibility randomised trial and semi-structured participant interviews. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth,16,298

2.Betts, D., Smith, C.A., Hannah, D.G. (2012). Acupuncture as a therapeutic treatment option for threatened miscarriage. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 12, 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-20 [full text]

3. Levett, K. M., Smith, C. A., Bensoussan, A., & Dahlen, H. G. (2016). Complementary therapies for labour and birth study: A randomised controlled trial of antenatal integrative medicine for pain management in labour. BMJ open, 6(7), e010691. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010691

4. Levett, K. M., et al. (2014). Acupuncture and acupressure for pain management in labour and birth: a critical narrative review of current systematic review evidence. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(3), 523–540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2014.03.011

5.Liddle SD, Pennick V. Interventions for preventing and treating low‐back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD001139. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001139.pub4. Accessed 06 January 2021.

6. Matthews A, Haas DM, O’Mathúna DP, Dowswell T. Interventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD007575. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007575.pub4. Accessed 06 January 2021.

7. Smith, C. A., Collins, C. T., Levett, K. M., Armour, M., Dahlen, H. G., Tan, A. L., & Mesgarpour, B. (2020). Acupuncture or acupressure for pain management during labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2).

8.Smith, C. A., Levett, K. M., Collins, C. T., Dahlen, H. G., Ee, C. C., & Suganuma, M. (2018). Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3).

9.Smith, C. A., Levett, K. M., Collins, C. T., Armour, M., Dahlen, H. G., & Suganuma, M. (2018). Relaxation techniques for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3).

10. Smith, C. A., Armour, M., & Dahlen, H. G. (2017). Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10).

11. Evidence Based Acupuncture. (2021). Acupuncture for breech presentation. https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/breech-presentation

12. UK Obstetric and Gynecological Society. (2021). Breech presentation: Non-invasive alternatives. Retrieved from: https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/breech-presentation

You may also like to read our blogs on pregnnacy.

How Chinese Medicine can help you during your pregnancy

https://www.rebalancetcm.com/4-realistic-and-natural-ways-to-rebalance-your-health-post-pregnancy/

Disclaimer: Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary from patient to patient based on the circumstances of the patient’s specific situation. A result is not promised and/or guaranteed from the act of receiving treatment.

What else can we assist you with?

Our Practitioners have their own areas of interest so as well as assisting you with the above complaints, ask us about our primary passions:

  • Fertility and IVF assitance support
  • Menstrual Health
  • Hormonal support
  • Mental Health Support
  • Stress support
  • Pregnancy Support

Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary from patient to patient based on the circumstances of the patient’s specific situation. A result is not promised and/or guaranteed from the act of receiving treatment.

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