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For a mother-to-be, pregnancy is a time of great metamorphosis. It also marks the beginning of new life. To say that it is an exciting time for you and your family is an understatement! It takes an incredible amount of energy and biological resources for an embryo to develop cell by cell, minute by minute over the course of 40 weeks into your full-grown sweet, precious baby. The physical demands placed on both you and child during this miraculous time are huge.

More and more, western medical practitioners are recommending acupuncture to their birthing patients as a safe and effective way to ease many of the discomforts that accompany pregnancy like nausea, indigestion, aches and pains, and depression and anxiety. In East Asian Medicine, health is treated not just as the absence of disease, but the presence of balance and vitality. Not only can acupuncture ease uncomfortable symptoms, it is a fantastic way to create a foundation of health and ease for both you and your baby from conception all the way up to labor and delivery.

First things first: Yes, acupuncture is safe to do while pregnant!

Acupuncture provides safe and effective relief for common ailments that can occur in pregnancy such as morning sickness, migraines, back pain, neck pain, fatigue, and indigestion. It is a great alternative to over-the-counter medications usually used to treat these conditions like Ibuprofen which are contraindicated during pregnancy. Acupuncture is also effective for labor and delivery preparation.

How Acupuncture Can Help

First trimester (Weeks 1-12):

• Creates better reproductive conditions for keeping and maintaining a healthy pregnancy
• Alleviates nausea, helping you to stay nourished as you nurture the beginnings of new life
• Reduces fatigue, supporting you to feel more energized as you adjust to the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy

Second & third trimesters (weeks 13-40):

• Reduces aches and pains (back pain, pelvic pain, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome sciatica, muscle aches), ensuring comfort for you and a calm environment for your baby
• Relieves heartburn, constipation, and regulates digestion, contributing to better nutrient absorption for your baby’s development
• Balances hormones, providing a stable environment for your growing baby
• Relieves shortness of breath, ensuring that you and baby get all the oxygen you need
• Eases swelling and improves circulation, relieving discomfort and enhancing flow of nutrients to your baby
• Reduces stress, anxiety, and helps with depression
• Alleviates sleep disturbances
• Regulates blood sugar and blood pressure, supporting overall health for both you and your child

Leading up to labor & delivery (week 36 onwards):

• Encourages optimal fetal positioning for labor, which can lead to a smoother delivery process for both you and baby. Baby is also an active participant in labor and benefits from optimal positioning!
• Softens the cervix
• Helps with pain management
• Increases energy levels, preparing you for the demands of labor and caring for your newborn.

Testimonials:

“At 28 weeks (the beginning of my third trimester), I started to experience shortness of breath that was impeding my ability to do the simplest of tasks. It was getting to the point that I was feeling short of breath even when I was sitting down! This is common in pregnancy, and I thought I would just have to suck it up and live with it until I gave birth to my baby.I came in to see Paola to see if she could do anything to help. Within minutes of my treatment starting, I already noticed a marked improvement in my ability to breathe – what a relief! Paola is a lifesaver. I’m at 32 weeks now, and haven’t had major issues with my breathing since. There is so much to do before baby comes and I now have the capacity to do it all without feeling tired and winded.” – A.O

“I had excruciating hip pain that was waking me up at night during my third trimester. After a few treatments with Paola, the pain in my hips decreased significantly and I have been able to sleep through the night on a more regular basis.” – A.O

Eating for Pregnancy

East Asian medicine offers a holistic approach to pregnancy nutrition that emphasizes balance, harmony, and the unique needs of both you and your baby. Here are some key principles designed to support your eating habits during every stage of pregnancy that can be practiced in conjunction with Western nutritional guidelines for pregnant women.

• Eat a balanced combination of Yin and Yang foods. Yin (cooling, nourishing) foods like leafy greens, fruits, and whole grains help build blood and support your baby’s development. Yang (warming, energizing) foods like ginger, garlic, and good quality meats support digestion and circulation. Adapt your balanced eating to the seasons, with more cooling foods in the summer and warmer, heartier foods in the winter.
• Eat warm, cooked, easy-to-digest foods that support the spleen and stomach. Think steamed foods, soups, and stews. Avoid “dampening” foods like dairy, raw fruits, and raw vegetables. It’s also important to avoid foods that cause excessive heat – your body is already in overdrive from all the hard work it is doing! These include heavy and rich foods that are hard to digest, as well as sweet and sticky foods.
• Eat foods that nourish Qi (energy) and support blood building like whole grains, legumes, dark leafy greens, and animal proteins. Pregnant women have increased blood volume, a lot of which goes towards nourishing baby’s growth and development. Eating blood building and Qi nourishing foods also helps prevent iron deficiency and maintain good energy levels.
• Aim for regular meals with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to maintain energy levels and blood sugar stability.
• Eat slowly and mindfully in a calming environment to promote good digestion and avoid overeating.
• Drink warm or room temperature fluids such as herbal teas and warm water to support digestion, maintain balance, and support proper functioning of internal organs. Limit caffeine intake and avoid alcohol.

As you embark on this incredible journey to motherhood, remember that you and your baby are not alone. We are here to support you every step of the way, providing the guidance and care you need for a healthy and fulfilling pregnancy.

Whether through acupuncture, nutritional advice, or simply offering a listening ear, our goal is to help you navigate this transformative time with confidence and ease. Embrace the changes, nourish your body, and trust in the process of bringing new life into the world!

If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can create a nurturing environment for both you and your baby. Your journey to motherhood starts here—let’s make it a beautiful experience.

Much love,

Paola & Amanda