Congratulations! You are pregnant! There are many ways in which acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help a woman feel well throughout her pregnancy. During the first three months a woman’s body goes through the biggest changes. The woman’s blood and essence go towards nourishing the fetal development and its major organ systems. The hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone increase to help maintain the uterine wall — this rapid increase in hormonal production is also often the cause of morning sickness or severe nausea during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Chinese medicine views this as a type of “rebellious qi” where the energy moves opposite to its normal flow. Usually by the fourth month, most women begin to feel better, although for some the nausea can continue throughout pregnancy. Acupuncture combined with herbal teas such as ginger and red raspberry leaf and salty snacks (i.e. crackers, pretzels, etc) can be helpful in alleviating digestive upsets.
Later in pregnancy as the baby continues to grow, the woman’s center of balance begins to shift with the excess weight she’s now carrying. The physical strain on the back muscles will often develop into low back pain and/or sciatic nerve pain. This can create great discomfort when sitting, standing or walking. An increase in general aches and pains is often seen as the body stretches to accommodate the growing fetus. Acupuncture treatments can greatly improve if not completely eliminate this type of discomfort.
As a woman approaches the final weeks of her pregnancy, the position of the baby becomes more important. Usually between weeks 32 and 36 of the pregnancy most babies settle into head down position (vertex) which is the optimal position for a vaginal delivery. Sometimes the baby will be breech (feet down), or transverse (lying horizontally, buttocks down). Acupuncture and Moxa (heat therapy) are very effective and safe methods for shifting the baby into the correct position for delivery.
These are just a few of the more common discomforts a woman may experience during her pregnancy. Chinese medicine also addresses: constipation, edema (swelling) and is helpful in preparing the body for an easier and more relaxed delivery.
If you would like to include acupuncture in your prenatal care, please call Kathleen Kenneally at Kenneally Acupuncture and Healing Light Center at 661-252-4100. The office is located at 27225 Camp Plenty Road, Suite 4 in Canyon Country.