Acupuncture; Keeping a Pregnancy Healthy

I believe my son owes his life to an acupuncturist. My husband and I had been together for 10 years and actively trying to get pregnant for the last 2 without any luck. By using a combination of herbs and needles I was pregnant within 2 cycles of walking into Dr. Yu's office. I willingly drank the nastiest tasting herbal tea ever, in order to maintain the pregnancy for the first trimester. Nine months later when I pushed out a beautiful, strong, healthy baby boy I knew I had acupuncture to thank for this precious life in my arms.

I'll let you in on a little secret about me. I am scared of needles. I have real fears, (think fainting here) around having my blood drawn or getting a shot. What you need to know is that the sensation of having a thin flexible acupuncture needle placed in no way resembles getting poked by a regular needle. There isn't anyway I could have stood it if that was what the sensation was like. 

Since my successful pregnancy I have come to use acupuncture for many health issues, from injuries, to chronic pain, menopause and illness. So far it has never failed me and  I asked Carla Nerelli, L.Ac., of SLO Family Acupuncture to write a blog piece for my Creating a Healthy Pregnancy series focusing on all the ways acupuncture can support a woman during pregnancy. Carla has a special interest in pregnancy and babies and is thrilled to work with young families. She is new to SLO so I am happy to introduce her to the community through this post.

Most people associate acupuncture with treating pain and other physical ailments. But, did you know it could also be part of creating optimum pregnancy health? Acupuncture is an ideal form of treatment as it offers women drug-free relief from a multitude of problems that can arise during pregnancy and childbirth  creating a thriving environment for a growing baby, and keeping mother and baby healthy and happy.
 
Common Conditions Treated During Early Pregnancy
Pregnancy is such a beautiful time in a woman’s life. It is a time to celebrate, glow, flourish, and most of all, get excited for the new family addition. Pregnancy is one of the most natural cycles in human life. Unfortunately in today’s society pregnancy can often come with some uncomfortable and mood-ruining aches, pains, and other conditions. Acupuncture is a very safe, gentle, and pharmaceutical-free way to deal with most of these common ailments.



▪ Prevention of Miscarriage
▪ Morning Sickness
▪ Fatigue
▪ Migraines and Headaches

If a woman has a history of miscarriage, it is recommended they come in for weekly treatments at least through week 9 to help prevent a miscarriage and secure the pregnancy.

Common Conditions Treated During Mid-Pregnancy
Not only can acupuncture help treat issues that may arise during pregnancy, but it also helps to create a healthy and comfortable pregnancy.

▪ Digestion Irregularities
▪ Constipation
▪ Increased Immunity
▪ Insomnia
▪ Anemia
▪ Anxiety, Stress, and other Emotional Issues

Your baby’s health, as well as your health and comfort, are of the utmost importance. To aid in your well-being and relaxation, SLO Family Acupuncture exclusively uses massage tables that are specifically made to accommodate your growing belly during pregnancy.

Common Conditions Treated During Late Pregnancy
As the due date approaches, weekly acupuncture treatments can help prepare the mother for a smooth, healthy, and efficient labor and delivery by helping to alleviate anxiety and stress, relax the pelvic floor musculature, ripen the cervix, and ease the baby into a comfortable, optimal birth position.

▪ Heartburn
▪ Sciatica
▪ Low back pain
▪ Body Aches
▪ Leg Cramps
▪ Varicose Veins
▪ Hemorrhoids
▪ Pre-eclampsia
▪ Edema
▪ Breech Presentation
▪ Delayed Labor

Safety During Pregnancy 
Although acupuncture during pregnancy is completely safe, it is important to go to a qualified, licensed acupuncturist who specifically treats pregnant women since there are several acupuncture points that are contraindicated to use during pregnancy.  San Luis Obispo Family Acupuncture is happy to treat women in all stages of pregnancy. Treatment strategies and recommendations are on an individualized basis. In general, monthly treatments are considered ideal to sustain a comfortable and healthy pregnancy.

Centrally located near Downtown San Luis Obispo, SLO Family Acupuncture is happy to treat women from all over the Central Coast, Paso Robles to Santa Maria and everything in between.

Visit Carla's website for more information about creating a vital pregnancy! To reach SLO Family Acupuncture call 805-242-6852 or email.

Call about SLO Family Acupuncture’s Pre-Birth Acupuncture Summer Special for babies due in June, July, or August 2013!