Acupuncture and Pregnancy

Acupuncture is the Chinese tradition of puncturing the skin with thin needles in order to help relieve pain and or stress. There have been many consumers reporting on the greater aspects of this tradition, for example, receiving acupuncture on a weekly basis can help relieve headaches, back, neck, and sinus pain; along with stress and anxiety. Acupuncture can also help pregnant women with morning sickness, nausea, and fatigue.

However, in contrast to that there are certain points on your body that a licensed practitioner should know about, because they could encourage labor. These same points could also cause muscle contractions or cease your pregnancy by releasing high levels of ACTH and Oxytocin. ACTH or Adrenocorticotropic hormone is typically released by your pituitary gland in response to biological stress. Oxytocin is a hormone closely related to pregnancy and birth, because it is released again from the pituitary gland, usually in large amounts during labor.

Here are some tips for when you go through your pregnancy and are contemplating Acupuncture.

1. Search for a licensed practitioner, with 3-4 years experience.

Many doctors disagree about whether or not it is safe for pregnant women to have acupuncture done. Ultimately it is a decision that many women have found relieving during their pregnancy, so doctors recommend that if it is your choice try finding someone who knows what they are doing. That way there is less chances of losing your baby.

2. Find an Acupuncturist who specializes in pregnant women.

Believe it or not there are Licensed Acupuncturists who specialize in pregnant women. These doctors, will know automatically which points to avoid and which points will help.

3. Talk with your Partner/Significant Other.

Make sure you and your partner knows the risks before you dive in. This will help to reduce raw emotions further down the road. And help keep you and your partner on the same wave length.

4. Talk to your Doctor.

Talk to your doctor to make sure that Acupuncture is right for you; there are other symptoms and diseases that cannot be cured by acupuncture, such as AIDS, liver or kidney disease, symptoms caused by these and other diseases could be worse with acupuncture therapy.

5. Create a Trust bond with your Acupuncturist.

Make sure that you totally trust your acupuncturist before letting them stick you. To do so, you should try acupuncture before you try and conceive, and usually try to visit at least once a week. Most doctors agree that you will need at least three visits to totally feel the affects of acupuncture. You should also keep your communication open with them to let them know your concerns before you begin acupuncture.

Ultimately, Acupuncture could be a great way for pregnant women to relieve some of the symptoms that are caused by pregnancy but there-in lays grave risks. The pro's, which are relief of stress, anxiety, back, neck, and sinus pain; all the while minimizing morning sickness, nausea, and fatigue are some of the wonderful aspects of acupuncture. However, the biggest con would be that of terminating your pregnancy, is your choice to make.