Pregnant, think about acupuncture

What is the principle of acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine. It is based on the stimulation of points with a very precise anatomical situation for an action on meridians, a kind of circulation channels, and on the vital functions of human physiology, in order to correct the dysfunctions that have caused pain or other pathologies.

What are the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the indications are multiple: smoking cessation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, hemorrhoids… But also stress, anxiety and sleep disorders. Acupuncture is also interesting for more important symptoms: back pain (low back pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel, pubic symphysis pain), a valuable alternative since anti-inflammatory drugs are prohibited during pregnancy. You can opt for paracetamol or physiotherapy sessions but acupuncture is also proven for this type of pain. It can also be useful in the case of intrauterine growth retardation or a threat of premature labor. Finally, when a baby is in a breech, acupuncture can be used to rotate the baby.

Acupuncture: immediate results?

One to two acupuncture sessions is normally sufficient to deal with the little ailments of pregnancy. To know that it is generally necessary to count ten days between two sessions.

But beware: the effects of acupuncture are not instantaneous! The improvement appears 3 to 4 days later, and then crescendo. In the meantime, do not worry if the disorders worsen the day after an acupuncture session. This is normal: the body, called upon to cure the disorders, quite simply manifests its fatigue.

Can acupuncture be used as a preparation for childbirth?

Of course, in general acupuncture before childbirth allows a more harmonious childbirth, regular labor, less painful. It will also have all its interest to prepare and accompany a childbirth where the epidural cannot be practiced, or in the post-term history, or when we are going to give birth to a large baby. The number of sessions varies according to the acupuncturist, on average, there are 3 sessions and support in the working room if necessary.

Does acupuncture hurt?

No, it doesn’t hurt, you just feel a little tingling. However, some points – especially on the feet – can be a little more unpleasant. But in general, it is not a painful gesture. And the needles are fine!

What precautions should be taken ?

Acupuncture is not an alternative medicine as it is often said. It is used in particular in abortion in China. In France, acupuncture is practiced by doctors who have graduated from the acupuncture IUD, and in some maternity hospitals by midwives who are also acupuncture graduates… no need to worry about babies!

Can acupuncture be used during childbirth?

It is a welcome help when there is a contraindication to the epidural (tattoo, blood problem, temperature during childbirth…). It is not only used to calm the pain, it can have an action on the cervix: to “soften” it if it is still very closed on the eve of a programmed trigger for example, or to facilitate its dilation during labor. .

Are acupuncture sessions reimbursed?

Several maternities have opened an acupuncture consultation in prenatal, and have set up a practice of acupuncture in the labor room by qualified midwives. The Haute Autorité de Santé now recommends it in this specialty. In city medical offices, the vast majority of acupuncturist physicians are contracted. This allows a portion of reimbursement and some mutuals offer packages to also cover the difference. For better reimbursement, be sure to have a note from the attending physician so that the acupuncturist is in the care sector, but this is not an obligation.

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