Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It is often used as a form of pain relief, but recent studies have shown that it may also be effective in helping to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Acupuncture has been shown to be safe for pregnant women and their babies, and it may help to improve pregnancy rates by increasing blood flow to the uterus and reducing stress levels.
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is said to restore balance and promote healing by correcting imbalances in the flow of qi, or life energy. Modern science has begun to shed light on how acupuncture works, and there is evidence that it can be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including pain, nausea, and headaches.
Acupuncture is thought to work by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals. It may also help to regulate the nervous system and boost the immune system.
The benefits of acupuncture during early pregnancy
Acupuncture during early pregnancy can be beneficial for a number of reasons. First, it can help to relieve common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common during pregnancy. Additionally, acupuncture can help to boost energy levels and improve sleep quality.
Summarising a study, which was conducted in China, looked at whether acupuncture could help to treat nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy. The study included pregnant women who were between six and eight weeks pregnant. Many women experience nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy. This is often called “morning sickness”. Most women have these symptoms for a few weeks, but then they go away. Nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy is considered to be normal, and it doesn’t pose a threat to the health of the mother or her baby. Women who experience nausea and vomiting should try eating small meals throughout the day. Acupuncture is an avenue mother’s can take to improve the severity of their symptoms.
How often to get treatments
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the frequency of treatments will depend on each individual’s unique situation and health condition. However, most experts recommend getting acupuncture treatments once or twice a week during early pregnancy.
If you are experiencing any particular issues or problems during your pregnancy, such as nausea or morning sickness, your acupuncturist in Sydney may recommend more frequent treatments. Acupuncture can be an extremely effective way to relieve these sorts of symptoms and improve your overall quality of life during pregnancy.
Risks and side effects
Acupuncture is a popular alternative therapy that is generally considered to be safe. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with acupuncture.
The most common side effect of acupuncture is soreness or bruising at the needle site. This is usually mild and goes away quickly. Other possible side effects include:
-Dizziness
-Nausea
-Fatigue
-Headache
Serious side effects are rare, but can include:
-Punctured lungs
-Infection
-Nerve damage
If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider before starting acupuncture treatments. While there is no evidence that acupuncture is unsafe during pregnancy, some practitioners may avoid treating women in their first trimester due to the risk of miscarriage.
Conclusion
Acupuncture during early pregnancy is becoming more and more popular as a way to help with morning sickness, fatigue, and other common issues. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves placing thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Research has shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and many women find it to be a safe and convenient option. Contact us at 0477 021 713 for personalised information.