White Peony Acupuncture

TCM addresses these concerns in pregnancy and labor:

Anxiety/fear-Perhaps the mother is pregnant for the first time and does not feel she is prepared for the journey and demands ahead of her. Perhaps becoming pregnant has been difficult, and she has experienced loss along the way. Maybe there is a fear of losing the pregnancy even though there is no apparent reason for this fear.  The cascade of hormonal changes often causes women to feel that their body has been changed in a way that is challenging to adapt to in modern life.  For these types of issues we address women individually within the manifestation of their own psychology, biology, history, and physiology.

Nausea/vomiting- When possible, we encourage women to rest more and eat small frequent meals that appeal to your own senses. There is SO much emphasis placed on getting the best nutrition during pregnancy, and this is definitely important.  When nausea and vomiting occur,  food in general is unappealing, and the idea of getting the “best” in can cause great stress!  Follow your gut instincts (pun intended) in regards to food.  We typically see women one to two times per week when nausea/vomiting is at its peak.

Constipation, hemorrhoids, varicosities-These are all common complaints, and can be addressed with good nutrition, hydration, and regular exercise such as walking. Acupuncture, moxa, and herbs can additionally help these concerns.

Spotting/bleeding-This can be a “normal” part of early pregnancy, but an alarming one at that. We address this concern with acupuncture, moxa, and herbs to strengthen the mother as well as the developing fetus and stop bleeding.

Placenta previa-Often bleeding in pregnancy can be internal, and found via ultrasound.  Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta grows low in the uterus and covers all or part of the cervix. This issue will often auto-correct in time, and TCM also supports this process.

Miscarriage-According to Chinese medicine history, it is most important to treat a woman after a miscarriage because of the toll it has taken on her body, mind, and spirit.  Soothing treatments are restorative and can help with the healing process.

Pain-All kinds of pain are treated safely with acupuncture. We often see pregnant women for pubic symphysis, hip, back, sciatic nerve pain, and stubborn headaches and migraines.

Gestational Diabetes-The digestive center, the liver,  kidneys, and adrenals play a huge role in blood sugar maintenance.  When we are working with women in early pregnancy who are at risk for GD, we can begin to prevent or lessen the syndrome. Additionally diet and regular exercise are very important to manage blood sugar.

Hypertension- Primary and pregnancy induced hypertension can be addressed with TCM, including suggestions for diet and exercise.  We look for signs in early pregnancy and seek to prevent hypertension in later pregnancy as well as addressing it as labor is approaching.

Edema-Can occur at any time in pregnancy and is often linked with hypertension or the threat of it. Lack of adequate rest, exercise, and hydration are all factors that contribute to edema.

Breech presentation- starting in week 35 acupuncture and moxa can optimize fetal positioning.

Labor preparation-From week 37 on, acupuncture can help prepare moms for the transition into labor.  Pre-birth treatments at this time gently facilitate the gradual, natural onset of labor, and nurture the mother. Research done by Kubista and Kucera in 1974 found that women pregnant for the first time receiving acupuncture for four weeks prior to delivery reached ripening of the cervix more quickly than the control group. These treatments are excellent for women choosing VBAC or Vaginal Birth after Caesarean.  Studies have shown that pre-birth acupuncture helps in these ways:

• Reduction in medical induction rates
• Reduction in women receiving epidurals
• Reduction in emergency caesarean sections
• Increase in normal vaginal births