Acupuncture involves strategically inserting thin needles into the body in order to stimulate your body’s central nervous system. Based on the information you provide your practitioner, he or she will know where to insert the needles to help bring relief to any short-term or chronic pain you are experiencing. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly encourage you to give it a shot. It is one of the most relaxing experiences I’ve had (even better than a massage!).
Acupuncture can also support your body in the last month of your pregnancy in preparation for labor and delivery. Strategic placement of the needles on pregnant women after 36 weeks has been known to help soften and dilate the cervix. Treatments are recommended at least weekly, increasing to twice weekly beginning around 39 weeks. Not only can it support your labor, but the treatments can help address any lower back or hip pain you are likely experiencing at this stage of pregnancy as well.
I personally have participated in weekly acupuncture sessions for both of my pregnancies. While I had to be induced with my first, my labor was incredibly quick, no other inventions were necessary to meet my sweet baby boy, and my postpartum recovery was speedy.
Have you tried acupuncture before? Would you try it during pregnancy now knowing these benefits?