Acupuncture and Pregnancy

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum

Congratulations on your Pregnancy!

Bringing a new life into the world is an amazing process. Pregnancy and Childbirth are very special times in a woman’s life and require tremendous energy from the body. You will be working hard and it is a more important time than ever to take good care of yourself.

Chinese acupuncture and herbal therapy can be tremendously helpful at this time. Acupuncture can provide relief from many discomforts of pregnancy. Acupuncture, combined with herbal therapy, can help replenish vital qi (energy) and blood that gets consumed to support the growing baby.

The following conditions may occur during pregnancy and can be treated successfully with Chinese medicine.
• threatened miscarriage
• nausea
• heartburn
• low back pain and sciatica
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• anemia
• insomnia
• stress and anxiety
• susceptibility to urinary tract infections
• turning breech babies
• bringing on labor contractions
• improving efficacy of contractions

Birth and Labor

Acupuncture is extremely effective in bringing on normal birth. If you are at term, or overdue, a series of between one and three acupunture sessions will usually bring on contractions and get the normal birth process underway without the need for pharmaceuticals or other procedures. Pre-birth acupuncture can also reduce labor discomfort, especially back pain.

Postpartum

The period after a baby is born can be a very challenging time. It is vital for a woman to replenish the energy she has used during her pregnancy and continues to use for breastfeeding. Chinese medicine can be an invaluable support. According to Chinese medical theory, most post-partum conditions are related to deficiency of qi and blood and treatment will focus on nourishing these factors as well as supporting the woman in getting sufficient rest and healthy meals.

Herbs and acupuncture can treat the following postpartum-related conditions.
• depression
• insufficient lactation
• mastitis
• stress incontinence
• fatigue
• anemia

At Harmony Point Acupuncture we hope that you will consider Chinese medicine as a comprehensive part of your pre- and post-natal care. If you are not yet pregnant regular acupuncture and herbal treatments can be an excellent way to increase fertility and prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy.

We work closely with your other medical practitioners and welcome consultation with your midwife or doctor in developing a treatment plan or addressing specific conditions.

This is a reminder that many insurance policies cover acupuncture treatments. As Acupuncture Physicians we are primary care providers under Florida law. This means you do not need any other referral in order to make an appointment with us.

-- Bethany Bechtel