Acupuncture Pregnant Belly

Pregnancy can be so demanding on the body.

Physically and emotionally.

Acupuncture can be Oh So Useful in pregnancy.

As an Acupuncturist I often get asked – when are the most delicious times to check in with your Acupuncturist?

So let’s jump in.

 

Regularly though the first twelve weeks

Especially if it’s taken some time to conceive this babe, you’ve experienced pregnancy loss in the past, or you’re feeling particularly anxious about this pregnancy.

Also, if symptoms like nausea and fatigue are having a considerable impact, give your Acupuncturist a call. And the sooner the better on this one.

 

Through the middle of the pregnancy: as symptoms arise

And again, the sooner the better on this one. Catch things like carpal tunnel, back pain, insomnia and indigestion as they arise.

An alternative to the ‘catch things as soon as they creep in’ approach is to schedule monthly check in appointments with your Acupuncturist through the middle of the pregnancy. There is always work to do. And a month can be a very long time during pregnancy!

Go with what you feel will work best for you.

 

Weekly in the final weeks of pregnancy

Weekly from 37 weeks is ideal. This will help facilitate the smooth preparation of bringing this divine soul earthside and prepare your body for labour.

There is so much divine work going on inside your body during this time. Many women become physically more tired and sore. And it may become harder to reach good pockets of sleep.

On top of that, there can be car seats to fit, renovations to finish (why does that always happen?!), and an influx of information coming at you from your birth provider.

There’s the endless thoughts of what labour is going to be like. How we are going to work with the pain.

In other words, there is A Lot. And our minds at this time can go into overdrive.

As the To Do List can whir around us, it’s time to breathe and come home.

A space that Acupuncture is so great at facilitating.

 

More often if you pass your estimated due date

Great to book in some treatments for 40.5 weeks and even 41 weeks. It’s very common to reach these! An estimated due date is just that, an estimate.

So if you do become ‘overdue’, lets use the pins to create some calm space, and facilitate the most optimal environment for your body to go into labour.

 

On ‘the other side’

If you’re seeing an Acupuncturist, ask them what to do regarding treatment on ‘the other side’.

Once pregnancy has drawn to a close, the summit of labour has been climbed, and you have that sweet delicious soul in your arms, there may still very well be work to be done.

Stepping over the threshold from pregnancy to motherhood does not mean you no longer require support.

In general, Chinese Medicine advises that it’s absolutely best for mum and babe to stay indoors and rest for the first 6 weeks. To get to know each other, facilitate recovery from the big experience of birth, and sync up in their rhythms.

At the same time, be in contact with your Acupuncturist if any bumps arise. They may be able to help you. Or they may be able to guide you towards the correct support you may require. Early intervention can be so useful with many postpartum conditions, so please remember that it is always, always okay to ask for help.

 

AmyObrienColourAmy O’Brien is a registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner with a passion for preconception, fertility and pregnancy care. Amy has extensive experience in acupuncture, including a 2 year period of administering acupuncture in a Melbourne hospital. She enjoys working with every aspect of health and disease to assist you in creating fabulous health.