The Secret to a Healthy & Happy Pregnancy 

The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona Team • October 4, 2022

This ancient method may help you manage some of the most common pregnancy discomforts and even help with labor pain. If you're looking for relief from morning sickness, back pain, or other pregnancy issues, you may wonder whether acupuncture before, during and after pregnancy helps.

The journey from pregnancy into motherhood is both miraculous and daunting. As the fetus develops and becomes a baby, remarkable demands are place upon your body as you become host to another life. As you physically carry that responsibility, your health and well being are challenged in many ways. Acupuncture is an all natural, holistic approach to help you meet the everyday challenge of digestion, constipation and colds. It can also be helpful with pregnancy related nausea, respiratory and urinary infections, pelvic, low back, upper back and neck pain, leg cramps and carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional medicine that's been practiced in Asian countries for thousands of years. It involves inserting very thin needles into specific points (known as meridians) in your body to help balance the flow of life force (known as chi or qi).

The method has been touted to address a host of health complaints, from nausea and vomiting to headaches. Overall, research suggest it may be helpful in managing pain and even help in infertility issues.

Acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue to result in potential benefits.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Not only is acupuncture safe during pregnancy, it's also a best kept secret (until now) which helps with prenatal discomforts and challenges. When performed by a licensed practitioner like Dr. Diana Mladenoff who has experience treating expecting patients, acupuncture during pregnancy is considered safe and effective. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) approves the use of acupuncture during pregnancy to manage labor pain (sweet!).

A 2015 study that looked at 105 studies on acupuncture during pregnancy reported a very low rate (1.3 percent) of mainly mild to moderate negative side effects - most commonly pain where needles are inserted.

Another 2019 stud of more than 20,000 women in Korea found that acupuncture during pregnancy didn't increase the risk of preterm birth or stillbirth. And a 2015 analysis of 15 studies on the practice found that even inserting needles into traditionally forbidden points during pregnancy (such as the lower back) didn't increase the risk of complications including miscarriage, preterm birth, or stillbirth. Not only does acupuncture treatment decrease unwanted results, it also is used to treat other unwanted symptoms that you may deal with everyday. (See graphic below).

Benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy

Acupuncture treatments from Dr. Diana have been performing for many years to address a number of common pregnancy complaints and conditions. Treatments are likely helpful for managing labor pain . Many studies have suggested that acupuncture may safely and effectively ease labor pain. A 2020 review of 28 studies involving nearly 4,000 women found that acupuncture may increase satisfaction with pain reduction and reduce the need for medications (such as an epidural) during labor, as well as possibly even decrease the need for c-section birth.

Several small studies have found that acupuncture during pregnancy is a safe way to ease lower back and pelvic pain . Nausea and vomiting is also treated by acupuncture treatments.

Are you looking to increase your chances for having a natural childbirth?

In the weeks before childbirth, acupuncture can be used to prepare your body for labor. Studies have shown that women who receive acupuncture weekly in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy have more comfortable labors with fewer medical interventions (pitocin, epidural injections and cesarean sections.) Additionally, when needed, acupuncture can be used to turn the baby (with posterior or breach presentations) and induce labor.

Acupuncture is an excellent way to manage pain and discomfort during labor. After the baby is born, new mothers are often challenged. Classically, the Chinese have viewed the first month as Zuo Yuezi or "sitting the month." In this important time the mom is supported, nurtured and sheltered to help both the new mom and baby develop and bond.

Can acupuncture help new mothers?

Yes! Acupuncture can help you with lactation problems, postpartum depression and the many physical issues that visit the new mother's body. The Mladenoff Clinic of Arizona supports the health of the mind, body and heart to come into balance in pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood and at any time of your life. Acupuncture can also help dad's relax as well as acupuncture is known to help reduce stress and support better quality sleep. Schedule an appointment for you and your loved ones today. Contact our Arizona wellness clinic by TEXTING or calling 1 (602) 524-0222. Wellness awaits you and your growing family.

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