Acupuncture: A good idea when pregnant?

Acupuncture is increasingly used during pregnancy because of its attributed relaxing effect and healing abilities. Originally coming from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture is now also an established conservative therapy method here in Germany. Acupuncture can help to alleviate discomfort during all phases of pregnancy or to support and facilitate the natural processes.

An acupuncture treatment works in a holistic way. TCM assumes that all functions of the body are only controlled by the life energy Qi and are therefore also influenced by disturbances of this energy. Qi is thought to run through energy lines in the body, the so-called meridians, which can be stimulated by certain acupuncture points.

In the meantime, there are about 50,000 doctors and alternative practitioners in Germany who offer acupuncture as a treatment method. Acupuncture during pregnancy is also very popular with midwives. To what extent the costs of acupuncture treatment during pregnancy are covered by health insurance companies depends on the individual indication and is only possible under certain conditions.

Indication

An acupuncture treatment can be used during pregnancy, as well as during birth and after birth. For example, it can help in the early stages of pregnancy against the typical morning sickness and fatigue. In the further course of the pregnancy, acupuncture can be used as a supplement or as an independent therapeutic measure to treat pregnancy complaints such as back pain, water retention, vein weakness and others.

Especially from the 36th week of pregnancy acupuncture is used as a birth preparation measure. It is intended to contribute to pain relief during the birth, to promote a harmonious flow of contractions and thus to cause a faster opening of the cervix. Many women are relieved of anxiety by regular acupuncture appointments before the birth, so that they can start the birth process more relaxed.

Acupuncture can also be used directly after the birth to ensure that, for example, the placenta is detached more quickly and that the afterpains are more bearable. Furthermore, the regression in the postpartum period is supported and wound healing is enhanced. The effectiveness of acupuncture treatments during pregnancy is now also recognized by orthodox medicine and has been proven by several studies.

Especially from the 36th week of pregnancy acupuncture is used as a birth-preparatory measure. It is intended to help relieve pain during childbirth, to promote a harmonious flow of contractions and thus to cause a faster opening of the cervix. Many women are relieved of anxiety by regular acupuncture appointments before the birth, so that they can start the birth process more relaxed.

Acupuncture can also be used directly after the birth to ensure that, for example, the placenta is detached more quickly and that the afterpains are more bearable. Furthermore, the regression in the postpartum period is supported and the healing of wounds is enhanced. The effectiveness of acupuncture treatments during pregnancy is now also recognized by orthodox medicine and has been proven by several studies. The effectiveness of acupuncture treatments during pregnancy is now also recognized by orthodox medicine and has been proven by several studies.