A child’s birth is one of life’s greatest blessings. But along with the excitement of that tiny bundle of joy, there are frequently certain medical difficulties and discomforts that can make the nine months seem interminable. Did you know that acupuncture has been proven to help with a number of pregnancy-related problems? The advantages of acupuncture during pregnancy and what the research actually reveals are summarized below.
What is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has been practiced for thousands of years and is increasingly recognised in the West for its therapeutic benefits. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to balance the body’s energy flow or ‘Qi’. During pregnancy, acupuncture offers a non-invasive and holistic approach to managing various physiological and psychological challenges that women may face. This essay explores the advantages of acupuncture concerning pregnancy, focusing on fertility, the course of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery.
The Advantages of Acupuncture Regarding Pregnancy
Acupuncture offers various benefits during pregnancy, such as alleviating common discomforts like morning sickness and back pain. It also helps balance hormones and promotes relaxation, which can enhance overall well-being. This ancient practice supports a healthier pregnancy by addressing physical and emotional challenges in a natural, holistic way. The advantages are discussed below:
- Enhancing Fertility and Supporting Conception
1.1 Regulation of Hormonal Balance: One of the best things about acupuncture is that it can control hormonal balance. Many women have problems with hormonal issues that make it hard to get pregnant. Acupuncture can help balance the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which is very important for keeping the hormone levels right for ovulation and pregnancy. It has been shown that regular acupuncture sessions can improve the balance of important hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which can make it easier to get pregnant.
1.2 Improving Blood Flow to the Reproductive Organs: Acupuncture is also very important for getting more blood to the ovaries and uterus. Better blood flow makes sure that the reproductive systems get enough oxygen and nutrients, which are necessary for a safe birth. Acupuncture helps make the body’s blood flow better, which makes it easier for the egg to attach and helps the uterus lining grow healthily.
1.3 Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety are big problems that can make it harder to get pregnant. People know that acupuncture can help calm them down and lower their stress levels. Acupuncture works by focusing on certain acupoints to release endorphins, which are the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals that help relieve stress and anxiety. Less anxiety can make your period more regular and increase your chances of getting pregnant.
1.4 Supporting Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Acupuncture can be a helpful addition to other treatments for women who are going through ART, such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Studies have shown that acupuncture before and after egg transfer can make IVF more likely to work. Acupuncture can help relax the uterus, lessen menstrual cramps, and boost blood flow to the reproductive organs, which increases the chances of implantation.
- Supporting a Healthy Pregnancy
2.1 Alleviating Pregnancy Symptoms: Pregnancy is often accompanied by a huge range of uncomfortable symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and headaches. Acupuncture offers a natural healing and drug-free approach to managing these symptoms. For instance, acupuncture has been found to be particularly effective in reducing the severity of morning sickness, a common issue in early pregnancy. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture can help regulate the digestive system and reduce nausea and vomiting.
2.2 Managing Pain and Discomfort: Many women feel stiffness and discomfort as their pregnancy goes on, especially in their lower back, hips, and legs. By easing muscle tightness and encouraging relaxation, acupuncture can help with these problems. It can also help with sciatica, a disease that makes the sciatic nerve in your lower back hurt sharply in your legs. Acupuncture can help ease pain and make you feel better during pregnancy by increasing blood flow and decreasing inflammation.
2.3 Preventing Miscarriage: Acupuncture is also believed to play a role in preventing miscarriage, particularly in women who have a history of recurrent miscarriage. By supporting the body’s natural processes and promoting a healthy uterine environment, acupuncture can help reduce the risk of miscarriage. It is thought to do so by regulating the immune system, reducing stress, and improving blood flow to the uterus.
2.4 Supporting Emotional Well-being: Pregnancy can be very hard on emotions. Many women have mood swings, anxiety, and even sadness during this time. Acupuncture can help with mental health by balancing the body’s energy flow and making you feel calm and relaxed. It is especially helpful for women who may be dealing with worry or sadness during pregnancy because it is a natural and safe way to deal with these problems without taking medicine.
2.5 Morning Sickness: Morning sickness is one of the worst parts of being pregnant for many people. It can be intense and persist all day for some ladies. Hyperemesis gravidarum is the medical name for this extreme case of nausea and vomiting. A study of 16 earlier research published in 2021 found that acupuncture was successful in treating severe morning sickness during pregnancy. Numerous research describing how acupuncture may relieve nausea symptoms even outside of pregnancy, such as during cancer treatments and in palliative care settings, can be found by conducting a fast search of PubMed.
- Facilitating Labor and Delivery
3.1 Preparing the Body for Labor: Acupuncture can help get the body ready for labor as the due date gets closer. It is known that some acupoints can help soften the cervix and get it to open up. This can make labor go more smoothly and quickly. Additionally, acupuncture can help make sure that the baby is in the best position for birth, which lowers the risk of problems like breech presentation.
3.2 Inducing Labor Naturally: In some cases, a woman may need to induce labor if it does not start naturally. Acupuncture suggests a natural alternative to medical induction methods. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture can encourage the release of oxytocin. This hormone plays a key role in initiating labor. This can start contractions and promote the progress of labor.
3.3 Managing Pain During Labor: Labor can be an intense and painful experience, and many women seek ways to manage the pain without relying on medication. Acupuncture is an effective pain management tool during labor, helping to reduce the intensity of contractions and promoting relaxation. By targeting acupoints associated with pain relief, acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, which help to reduce the perception of pain.
3.4 Reducing the Need for Interventions: One of the significant advantages of acupuncture during labor is its potential to reduce the need for medical interventions such as epidurals, forceps, or cesarean sections. By promoting a more natural and efficient labor process, acupuncture can help women have smoother delivery with fewer complications. This can make a positive birth experience and quicker recovery.
3. Aches and Pains, Especially During Labor Pain
Pregnancy causes the human body to change in amazing ways. In the second and third trimesters, this frequently results in pelvic and back pain. In both a 2021 study and a 2018 study, acupuncture was proven to be secure and efficient in treating lower back pain. In general, acupuncture has been shown in numerous trials to aid in the treatment of labor pain. For instance, a 2020 assessment of 28 more recent trials discovered that the use of acupuncture reduced the need for other painkillers, such as an epidural, and was beneficial in managing labor pain.
More than 600 pregnant women participated in one of the largest trials, which compared the use of acupuncture during childbirth to the use of other techniques like conventional painkillers or transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. According to the research, the use of additional painkillers was less likely in the acupuncture group.
- Postpartum Recovery
4.1 Supporting Physical Recovery: After giving birth, every woman goes through many changes with their body as it begins to heal and recover. Acupuncture can support postpartum recovery by promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and restoring energy levels. It can help address common postpartum issues such as fatigue, pain, and hormonal imbalances, aiding the body in its return to its pre-pregnancy state.
4.2 The Condition of Depression: Although they might be challenging to treat when pregnant, anxiety and depression are more frequent than most women realize. A 2010 small research indicated that acupuncture and massage were equally effective in assisting women who had begun to experience the symptoms of depression. When compared to women who received more conventional depression therapies, researchers discovered that those in the acupuncture group had a decrease in overall symptoms.
Although you should always discuss any possible contraindications with your acupuncturist, research has generally proven that acupuncture is a secure and reliable option for managing many of the difficulties that arise during pregnancy.
4.3 Promoting Lactation: Breastfeeding is an essential aspect of postpartum care, and some women may experience challenges with milk production. Acupuncture can help promote lactation by stimulating acupoints that are associated with milk production. This can be particularly beneficial for women who are struggling with low milk supply or who have difficulty with breastfeeding.
4.4 Strengthening the Immune System: The postpartum period can be a vulnerable time for a new mother’s immune system. Acupuncture can boost your immune system and lower your risk of getting sick. It improves your general health. Acupuncture can help new moms stay healthy and get better faster by boosting the body’s natural defenses.
The Safety and Efficacy of Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Safety Considerations: Acupuncture is generally considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, it is essential to ensure that the practitioner has experience in treating pregnant women, as there are certain acupoints that should be avoided during pregnancy. These points are thought to potentially induce labor or cause complications if stimulated at the wrong time. A skilled practitioner will know which points are safe to use and will tailor the treatment to the specific needs of the pregnant woman.
Efficacy of Acupuncture: Numerous studies have supported the efficacy of acupuncture in addressing various pregnancy-related issues. Different research has shown that acupuncture can effectively reduce symptoms such as nausea, pain, and stress can improve overall pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to be a valuable complementary therapy for women undergoing fertility treatments, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Integrating Acupuncture with Conventional Care: While acupuncture offers many benefits during pregnancy, it is essential to integrate it with conventional prenatal care. Acupuncture should not replace regular medical check-ups or treatments prescribed by a healthcare provider. Instead, it should be used as a complementary treatment to support the overall health and well-being of the mother and baby. Women considering acupuncture during pregnancy should consult with their healthcare provider to ensure that it is appropriate for their specific situation.
Treatment in Bangladesh
Acupuncture is increasingly recognized in Bangladesh as a safe, non-medicinal treatment, particularly beneficial during pregnancy. This ancient practice helps manage pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being without relying on medication, making it ideal for expectant mothers. The best pain hospitals in Bangladesh, such as SUO XI Hospital (Acupuncture), offer expert acupuncture services that focus on pregnancy-related issues like nausea, back pain, and anxiety. These treatments not only enhance comfort but also promote a smoother pregnancy by balancing the body’s energy. With top doctors for acupuncture in Bangladesh, pregnant women can access holistic care that supports both maternal and fetal health, ensuring a healthier, more relaxed pregnancy experience.
By recognizing the potential of acupuncture as a complementary therapy, pregnant women can take advantage of its numerous benefits, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy, smoother labor and delivery, and a quicker postpartum recovery.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is useful in treating infertility problems, so you might wish to start treatments even before becoming pregnant. Discuss creating a treatment strategy that is appropriate for you and your pregnant experience with your acupuncturist straight away. The growing body of research and clinical evidence supports the integration of acupuncture into prenatal care, offering women a safe and effective way to enhance their pregnancy experience and promote the well-being of both mother and baby.
Dr. S.M. Shahidul Islam is a distinguished medical professional specializing in acupuncture and pain management, with expertise in treating paralysis and chronic conditions. Holding an MBBS from Tongji Medical University and a Ph.D. in Pain & Paralysis from Jahangir Nagar University, he is a President’s Gold Medalist and a leader in the field.
As the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Acupuncture Association and Chief Visiting Consultant at SUO XI Hospital (Acupuncture), Dr. Shahidul is dedicated to delivering effective, non-invasive treatments that transform lives. His mission is to advance acupuncture care in Bangladesh and beyond, promoting medicine-free, surgery-free healing for all. Currently, he is No#1 Pain and paralysis doctor in Bangladesh.