To discover the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy, we went to meet Amandine Scheffer, midwife and acupuncturist. Using a range of techniques derived from Chinese medicine, she supports and helps expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy. What are the benefits? How is it used? Who should use it? We tell you all about it!
Why use acupuncture when you’re pregnant?
As well as bringing life into the world, pregnancy is a special time. In most cases, it prevents you from seeking medical treatment. Many things are contraindicated, even for minor ailments. Acupuncture can provide valuable help by offering alternative treatments.
A word from the expert
Amandine Scheffer
‘As an acupuncturist with midwifery expertise, this allows us to detect pregnancy-related pathologies before the person needs to have a consultation with traditional medicine. We can also refer the patient to the appropriate specialist if necessary. Support will be provided by taking the whole person into account’.
The benefits of having acupuncture during your pregnancy
Acupuncture can be beneficial when you’re pregnant. Don’t hesitate to talk to the person monitoring your pregnancy to find out if it’s right for you!
- Pre-conception: acupuncture can stimulate the body before pregnancy. This balances the system and encourages pregnancy (even if it takes a little longer to get going). Acupuncture can also help regulate your periods, particularly in the case of endometriosis or polycystic ovaries (PCOS). Both of these conditions can often be painful, and acupuncture will also help to relieve the symptoms.
- During pregnancy: acupuncture can help relieve the discomforts of the first trimester (nausea, vomiting, ligament pain, insomnia, etc.). During the second trimester, the most common reasons for consulting an acupuncturist are the baby’s head not yet down or muscle pain. In the third trimester, acupuncture will help prepare the body for childbirth and encourage the baby’s descent into the pelvis.
- During childbirth: acupuncture can help relieve pain during labour. It can also help relax the cervix and encourage the baby to descend without any particular side effects.
- Post-partum: acupuncture can also be used after childbirth. The reasons for consultation are often to support breast-feeding or, on the contrary, to wean the baby. It also helps with symptoms of baby blues.
Amandine Scheffer also points out that these methods should be used in conjunction with traditional medicine. There is no need to choose between one or the other, as these treatments can be carried out in conjunction with each other (even during a follow-up to medically assisted procreation).
When can acupuncture be used during pregnancy?
As you will have discovered in the last section, acupuncture can be used at all stages of pregnancy!
Acupuncture is not based on symptoms alone. All your systems are taken into account. During the first session, several questions will be asked to understand how you are doing overall. The professional will try to identify different problems, such as
- Insomnia and sleep in general
- If you have any infections
- If you have any particular pathologies
- How your pregnancy is going
- Your emotional state
All these factors will then be taken into account to offer you a suitable treatment.
