Acupuncture for Prenatal Care in Denver

Acupuncture for Prenatal Care in Denver

Your Doctor isn’t your only option for prenatal/postnatal care

Expecting a child is both an exciting and terrifying time in pregnant woman’s life. With all of the changes to the body, emotions, and to the mind, it’s extremely important that pregnant women take extra care of themselves during this time of change and vulnerability. It’s important not only for the baby, but for the mother as well.

So what options does a woman have for prenatal care? Most women seek out the care of an OBGYN the minute they suspect pregnancy, if they were not already under the care of a physician for family planning. It may be a good idea to have an obstetrician, but there are many other alternatives to traditional prenatal healthcare, such as chiropractic care, a naturopathic doctor, or a midwife.

But what about acupuncture and Chinese medicine as the primary source of prenatal care? Many women are often surprised to find out how much acupuncture can help them with pregnancy preparation, fertility issues, prenatal care, and postpartum care.

Let’s go over a few ways that Chinese medicine can benefit women during each phase of pregnancy.

First Trimester:

During this stage, we want to build a healthy foundation and home for the fetus. We focus on building blood and energy supplies, as well as monitor the baby for any signs of possible miscarriage. We can analyze the mother’s diet, and advise her on the best foods and protein sources that will be needed to grow a healthy baby.

Acupuncture can also help the mother with any symptoms she may be having, such as fatigue, morning sickness, insomnia, headaches or anxiety.

During these early months, it’s fine to see an acupuncturist 1-2 times/month.

Second Trimester:

During the second trimester, the baby is growing quickly, the mother’s body is changing rapidly, and the her blood volume is increasing by as much as 40%. During this phase, it’s very important to maintain proper nutrition to support the new formation of that huge blood supply, and support the development of the baby’s growing body and brain.

As the mother’s body changes, new symptoms start to appear. Acupuncture is great for helping a sluggish digestive system (read: constipation!), and reducing heartburn, steadying blood sugar levels, balancing hormones, improving sleep and reducing edema. Plus, it’s great for helping the woman to take a break and relax! The time spent on the acupuncture table is a wonderful opportunity to center the mind and let go of nagging thoughts, to-do’s, and preparations that become all consuming as one tries to get ready for the birth of a child.

The recommended schedule for acupuncture is once every other week.

Third Trimester:

For this phase, the focus is on helping the mother to cope with the pressure imposed on her body and mind from the whirlwind of bringing a new baby into the world. Our modern medical community imposes irrational fear and anxiety on women at the prospect of delivering a baby, and the thought of supposed unendurable pain is paralyzing for the mother to be. Childbirth is a natural process that requires the body to work hard, but will not give the laboring woman anything that she cannot handle (within the confines of a healthy pregnancy)–and without the need for pain relieving drugs.

Acupuncture can help to calm the mind and prepare the body for a smooth delivery. It is helpful for everything discussed above, plus back and sciatic pain, swelling, turning breach babies and even induction of labor if she is post-date.

During this time, weekly treatments are advised. For induction of labor, 2 sessions per week may be needed to achieve results. This is a great alternative to Pitocin, which forces the uterus to contract unnaturally and with too much force, increasing the possibility for a C-Section delivery. Labor induction with acupuncture is all natural, comfortable, and even relaxing, working with body’s natural inclinations for labor.

Postpartum Care:

In addition to prenatal care, Chinese medicine is an excellent choice for post-natal care as well. It can help to relieve postpartum depression, balance hormones, increase milk supply for breastfeeding, relieve problems from mastitis, boost energy levels, hasten recovery from both vaginal and C-Section delivery, relieve pain and swelling, and even stop bleeding.

If you or a friend are curious about acupuncture for prenatal and postpartum care in Denver, feel free to call my Denver acupuncture clinic for a Free Consultation, or, please forward this article!

Joanne Trujillo L.Ac, MSOM

Highlands Northwest Denver: 

2543 Eliot St

303-669-4529

Denver CO 80211

www.Pure-Acupuncture-Denver.com

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