Healthy Pregnancy Programs at Root To Rise PT- Acupuncture
Proactive Care and Support For Your Pregnancy & Postpartum
Last month we asked the question, ‘should you go to pelvic floor PT in pregnancy, even if you’re feeling great?’ and this month we are following up with, what about acupuncture? Acupuncture can be a great support during pregnancy, not only for some of the common issues like morning sickness, but for preparing for labor too. Pregnancy can be an exciting time, and it is also an exciting time in your body, with hormones shifting, bellies popping, and life growing. Aside from managing the change in hormones, there is an increase of elastin making things more flexible, changes in the pelvis that can create instability, and change in weight distribution. All of this excitement can bring challenges, like recalibrating your center of gravity and your understanding of where your body is in space. Yeah for your body constantly changing as you and your baby keep growing!
You may know some common pitfalls of pregnancy like back pain, morning sickness, acid reflux and edema, but did you know that acupuncture can help many navigate these pitfalls a little easier? And let’s say you are sailing free and easily, avoiding a lot of the symptoms that may have bothered friends and family, should you consider acupuncture for labor prep or induction?
Over the years, I have seen acupuncture help parents-to-be feel empowered during pregnancy. Managing nausea, anxiety/depression, and musculoskeletal pain can feel like a full time job, and doing so in pregnancy is like running on shifting sands since your body changes as frequently as your energy does.
Acupuncture in pregnancy may be able to offer a new tool when some of the old ones aren’t as effective. Many are careful about what they eat and what medications they are taking during pregnancy so you may feel your hands are tied when it comes to dealing with physical or emotional pain that can accompany normal and healthy pregnancies. Muscle aches, headaches and injuries happen- and it is nice to remember that acupuncture may be worth a shot. Your visit may include suggestions of home remedies like acupressure, press needles, and dietary tips that could make your day-to-day a little easier.
How about bigger questions like turning a breech position?
There are some great studies supporting the use of moxibustion to help a baby move into the correct position for a vaginal labor should they present as breech. The ideal timing for this treatment is between 33-34 weeks into your pregnancy, and at that time Root to Rise offers a home visit where we teach you and a partner the protocol to complete at home over ten days.
And what about labor prep?
Acupuncture can be a great option for getting your body primed for a more efficient labor. At Root to Rise we recommend 4 weekly visits starting around 36 weeks to give your body time to adjust and make slow changes preparing you for delivery. With conscious care over this last month the hope is that the body will adjust over time so you don’t need to go from zero to whamo, should you want or need an induction later.
As Dr. Jenn mentioned last month, if you feel as well as you can throughout your pregnancy, it can help with recovery and makes reaching your postpartum goals less overwhelming because you aren’t as exhausted from the 40 week marathon that is pregnancy. Plus, you will have a great support team established so when any struggles do emerge whether in pregnancy or postpartum you know who to go to for support - which all to-be and new parents need! But even if we don’t meet you in pregnancy, acupuncture can be such a nice tool for postpartum issues including establishing let-down, managing mood, easing pain and recovering energy!
So what should you expect from your acupuncture visit?
Your initial evaluation is 90 minutes no matter where you are in your pregnancy or postpartum journey. This allows us time to dive deep into your history, lifestyle habits and goals as well as provide you with tools to make you feel empowered. Your follow up sessions are 60 minutes and are always 1:1.
Some things we can tackle together include:
Nausea
Pain management
Mental health and stress management
Nutritional support
Sleep habits
Edema
Acid reflux
Labor prep
If you are planning to conceive, currently pregnant, or postpartum acupuncture could be a great fit. At Root to Rise, we would love to support you throughout your journey!
If you are interested in learning more read about our prenatal services and resources, check out our recent blog post Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy in Pregnancy as well as our blog post all about our Healthy Pregnancy Programs at Root To Rise PT- Pelvic Floor Therapy Blog Post!
Interested in learning more and finding out if acupuncture during pregnancy is right for you? Chat with us about your specific needs in a free 30 minute consultation.