For many women, acupuncture is not only a way to relieve stress when you’re trying to conceive, but it can also increase fertility, support a healthy pregnancy, prevent miscarriage, and prepare the body for labour.

 

There are many factors that can affect whether a pregnancy is carried to term. Genetics, nutrition, environment, immunity, and mental health all play a role in a woman’s ability to experience a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture is used to create harmony in the body and mind which promotes overall wellness and lessens the risk of possible miscarriage.

 

How it works and what you can expect

 

Acupuncture treatments along with the utilization of herbs and nutrition have been clinically proven to significantly increase a woman’s chances of a successful pregnancy whether they are trying to conceive naturally or undergoing assisted reproductive methods such as IVF and IUI.

 

Throughout the first trimester, acupuncture treatments help to prevent miscarriage and provide a stabilizing effect on the pregnancy by regulating hormones that are needed for a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture also helps to minimize many common discomforts during pregnancy such as nausea, morning sickness, fatigue, migraines, bleeding, and spotting.

 

At Red Leaf Wellness, our experienced acupuncturists begin with a careful evaluation to uncover any underlying factors or root causes that may be hindering a healthy pregnancy. We help expectant mothers navigate their fertility journey and support them in choosing the very best treatment options.

 

For optimal results, we recommend beginning treatments three months before planning to conceive or as soon as women find out they are pregnant. This is especially recommended for women pursuing assisted reproductive methods or if there are hormone, autoimmune, or advanced maternal age factors. Regular acupuncture appointments during pregnancy can help women relax and more fully enjoy this wonderful time in life.

 

Breech Presentation

 

This presentation is when the unborn baby is positioned feet or buttocks downwards towards the cervix. If you have been told that your baby is presenting as Breech, acupuncture and moxibustion have proven to increase the placental estrogen and prostaglandins. This leads to increased movements of the fetus which coax a repositioning of the baby for a normal vaginal delivery. With combined in-clinic visits, home prescribed moxibustion, and an early detection between 34-36 weeks, there is a significant increase of breech conversion to a vertex, or head-first, position.

 

Pre-Labour and Induction

 

Then, closer to the baby’s due date, pre labour acupuncture treatments support both mother and baby to create a physical, mental, and emotional state that is optimal for labour. It is shown to reduce rates of medical induction, intervention, and caesarean, as well as result in faster and less painful labour and reduced levels of anxiety.

 

Pre labour acupuncture focuses on softening the cervix and preparing the pelvis for labour and delivery by increasing oxytocin levels. These treatments encourage blood flow to the uterus, cervical dilation, movement of the baby, and the release of endorphins, as well as helping the mother relax.

 

This is a known safe, non-invasive and drug free method in preparing the body for labour as well as inducing labour, when needed/requested.

 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you and your baby, or schedule an appointment online.