Acupuncture, a therapy originating from China. This therapy is said to have minimal side effects, and when done properly and by a competent therapist, can bring many health benefits. Does the same apply to pregnant women?
Acupuncture is done by inserting very thin needles in several parts of the body. This traditional medicine that is now medically recognized is widely used to treat stress, migraines, tension headaches, neck pain, toothache, joint pain, and post-operative pain.
Safety of Doing Acupuncture While Pregnant
Several studies state that acupuncture is relatively safe during pregnancy. However, this action is not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy, because it can increase the risk of miscarriage.
If done in the right way and by a competent person, acupuncture is said to have various benefits and minimal side effects. Even so, pregnant women are still not advised to do it too often.
Various Benefits of Acupuncture for Pregnant Women
Some of the benefits that pregnant women can get when doing acupuncture are:
1. Overcoming nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are one of the most common complaints experienced by pregnant women. In addition to adjusting your diet, doing acupuncture may also help relieve and reduce complaints of nausea and vomiting. In particular, if pregnant women are reluctant to take nausea reliever medication.
However, keep in mind that acupuncture is not recommended for gestational age less than 12 weeks, and if the nausea and vomiting are felt to be excessive, still check with the doctor, pregnant women.
2. Overcoming pelvic pain
Another complaint that many pregnant women experience is pelvic pain. To overcome this, acupuncture can be one of the right solutions. Acupuncture can make the muscles around the pelvis become more relaxed, so that stage pain will be reduced.
For maximum results in overcoming pelvic pain, also do pregnancy exercises regularly and wear a special pregnancy belt.
3. Overcoming depression
One study also revealed a reduction in symptoms of depression that are often experienced by pregnant women after acupuncture. However, depression is a health problem that should not be taken lightly. If pregnant women experience symptoms of depression, do not hesitate to consult a doctor so that treatment options can be given according to the condition.
4. Reduce pain during labor and after
When imagining the delivery process, pregnant women may start to feel afraid and anxious, especially with the pain that is said to be "extraordinary". However, did pregnant women know that doing acupuncture during pregnancy can actually relieve pain during labor, even after giving birth by caesarean section?
Although basically acupuncture is relatively safe and brings benefits for pregnant women, always consult a gynecologist before doing acupuncture. The doctor will provide directions and treatment options that are safe and in accordance with the conditions that the pregnant woman is experiencing.
One more thing that pregnant women should pay attention to before doing acupuncture, choose an acupuncture place and a therapist that is trusted and has a certificate, yes. If necessary, pregnant women can get acupuncture therapy from an acupuncture specialist at the hospital.
