A Natural Alternative for Pregnancy Related Discomforts
Posted by Christina Pistotnik
Having a radiant glow is considered to be a normal manifestation of pregnancy, but unfortunately, so are morning sickness, mood swings, body aches and pains. Luckily, for all of those new moms to be, acupuncture can provide a safe and drug free alternativeto help improve their quality of life.
You may ask yourself how sticking needles in a few places on your body can improve your quality of life. Well, acupuncture naturally regulates the nervous system by aiding in the release of endorphins and immune system cells that are needed to heal and feel good again. There is more and more research being conducted on acupuncture, with results consistently showing that acupuncture is both safe and highly effective in the treatment of women who are pregnant. One study showed that obstetrical acupuncture provided beneficial relief of back pain and anxiety. In another research article, it was shown that acupuncture was one of the most beneficial non-pharmaceutical therapies used in the treatment of pregnant women that suffer from migraines.
Acupuncture can be effective in treating many different types of ailments which arise during each trimester in a gentle and safe manner, without harmful side effects.
The first trimester usually presents with the most symptoms and it is during this period that most women seek out acupuncture. This is because of hormone surges and changes that are happening to the body in order to accommodate for the new life that is growing inside. Here is a list of symptoms commonly associated with the first trimester which acupuncture has been known to provide relief for: fatigue, morning sickness, nausea, vomiting, mood swings, anxiety, constipation, and headaches.
The second trimester tends to be the easiest of the three because many of the symptoms of early pregnancy have dissipated and the physical strain and discomforts of the third trimester have yet to begin. However, this is the trimester during which your baby bump enlarges and this can cause back pain. Acupuncture is well known to relieve back pain and can do so just as effectively for pregnancy related back problems. Other symptoms which acupuncture can provide relief for, and are common during this trimester, include: acid reflux, edema, and hypertension.
The third trimester can be quite trying for some because it can be the most physically and emotionally straining of trimesters. This is when a woman is most susceptible to back and hip pains/strains. This is due to the fact that the baby has increased in size, which places more physical strain on a woman’s body, and because stretching of the pelvic ligaments as a result of the hormones being released in preparation for labour. As mentioned before, acupuncture’s ability to stop painful symptoms by releasing endorphins is well documented. With the due date nearing, and all of the uncertainties regarding preparedness, anxieties can also set-in around this time. Acupuncture has a very calming and relaxing effect on the body, helping you to remain positive till the end of your pregnancy. Acupuncture can also aid in this trimester with: acid reflux, breech position, labour preparation, and induction.
As you can see, and are probably experiencing as you read this article, pregnancy can come with its discomforts. However, with the help of acupuncture, you can make sure that this time in your life is as pain and stress free as possible.
