Trimesters 1 - 4
Acupuncture Trimesters 1-4
Acupuncture has been used throughout the centuries and in China obstetrics texts date as far as the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Acupuncture offers a safe natural solution to assist during the entire pregnancy to keep the mom-to-be healthy and the baby happy. Postpartum treatments help aid many ailments and assist healing and recovery. Traditional Chinese medicine views pregnancy from the perspective of the essence, qi, and blood. These are the areas focused on during treatment to ensure overall health of the mother and baby.
“Pregnant women are one group of patients who are particularly highly motivated when it comes to finding drug-free solutions to medical problems. It is surely just a matter of time before hospital antenatal clinics routinely incorporate acupuncture as a safe and relatively cheap solution to many of the disorders or pregnancy”.
– Jane Lyttleton, author, researcher, practitioner
Acupuncture may help with many syndromes, including, but not limited to:
- Morning sickness
- Fatigue
- Hemorrhoids
- Labor preparation (See pre-birth Cervical Ripening)
- Headaches, Migraines
- Depression
- Heartburn
- Sciatica
- Prevention of miscarriage
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Constipation
- Anxiety (research shows up to 33% women experience clinical depression or anxiety disorder at some point during pregnancy),
- Edema
- Back pain
- Breech position
Let’s work together to address your individual needs and goals.
Additional Recommendations for Morning Sickness
- Eat small meals, never go hungry.
- Sip lemon water through the day.
- Herbal teas: lemon balm, ginger, peppermint. You will need to try them to feel what works for you because they have differing thermal temperatures; lemon balm and peppermint are cooling, while ginger is warming to hot.
- Acupressure band on the wrist (acupuncture point PC 6).
Omega 3 Supplements
Essential Fatty Acids (Omega’s) are an essential part of the diet because we do not make essential fats, therefore, we need to include them in our diets. Omega fats support mom’s health and fetal development. NutraSea fish and plant-based omega’s come in liquid form in tasty options and also in liquid soft gels. NutraSea is made from pure, sustainably sourced fish or plant-based ingredients. Check out the products here.
Post Birth Symptom Relief via Acupuncture
4th Trimester - 6 Weeks Post Delivery
- Low breast milk
- Depression
- Perineal discomfort and fear surrounding bowel movements
- Fatigue
- Mastitis
- Balance emotions
- Uterine prolapse (also see pelvic floor physiotherapist)
- Hemorrhoids
- Vaginal tearing during birth
- Urinary incontinence (also see pelvic floor physiotherapist)
- Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
- Low libido past eight weeks
- Cesarean Section: incision pain, numbness, scaring.
Post-Birth Tips
Rest, no sexual intercourse for 8 weeks.
Abdominal binding: day 2 after vaginal birth, day 6 after C-Section.
Avoid consuming cold water and cold food.
No bathing or swimming (shower only).
Avoid draft and cold air.
No lifting heavy objects.
Avoid Cold Temperatures Post Birth
After giving birth, a woman has lost a lot of blood. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, blood and Qi, or vital life energy, are linked; the loss of blood leads to the loss of Qi. The mother is therefore weak and vulnerable to catching cold. At this time it is easy for cold to penetrate deep into the meridians or channels. This condition could later lead to symptoms such as pain in the muscles or joints, or a type of nerve pain. Where the pain develops is where the cold remains in the body. Even during summer a new mother would be advised to take care not to expose herself to very cold conditions
Dosage: 6 capsules post-birth for at least three months to help the pelvic and female organs go back into place.
Breast milk assistance: Alfalfa provides nutrients and helps the breast milk nutrient content and quantity. 6 capsules per day.