Pregnancy is an exciting, emotional, physically demanding experience. Acupuncture can be tremendously supportive during this time, at every level- mind, body, and spirit. Here’s how to use acupuncture during pregnancy and what to expect from your treatments with us!
First trimester: support the earth element (our center), the spleen and stomach meridians, and the digestive system. Alleviate nausea, morning sickness, dizziness/headaches, and fatigue. Nourish the womb, build blood, lift the qi, lift the spirit.
Second trimester: support the fire element and the heart meridian system. Ease anxiety, insomnia, heart burn, and other manifestations of heat. Treat back pain, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, swelling/edema, and help regulate blood sugar/manage gestational diabetes. Calm the spirit, support healthy flow of qi and blood.
Third trimester: support the wood element (hello growth!) and the liver and gall bladder meridians. The wood element controls the tendons and ligaments- treatments help to gently relieve back pain and pelvic pain and will prepare the body for labor. If your baby is breeched, we use a moxibustion protocol to help turn your baby!
While treatment plans are highly individualized and specific to the needs of each mama, here’s what you can generally expect in terms of treatment frequency:
Weekly treatments in the first trimester to manage common discomforts, promote gentle circulation, and boost general wellness and fetal nourishment. In the 2nd trimester, women generally feel much better and we recommend monthly treatments. In the third trimester, we will treat weekly in the last month to prepare the body for labor and even more frequently as you approach the big day!
Props and boosters are used to keep you and baby comfortable. We have fizzy drinks, cereal bars and crackers on hand, if needed before or after your treatment.
Contact us (843) 790-4295 or visit our website to learn more!
