Acupuncture for Breech Presentation, Labor Induction, & 8 More Prenatal Conditions

Acupuncture can prevent and effectively treat several pregnancy-related conditions from first trimester to birth. The result is a more joyful experience from the first moments of conception all the way through labor and delivery, including those tender postpartum weeks. Acupuncture is also a safe option to choose during all three trimesters for pain management, nausea, as well as postpartum complications. For third trimester concerns such as breech presentation and labor induction, acupuncture in combination with moxibustion is a particularly powerful tool for moms-to-be.

Multiple research studies even show that acupuncture reduces labor lengthens and the risk of common labor inventions. This is one of the reasons that I recommend a handful of acupuncture sessions during the last few weeks of pregnancy to almost every mom-to-be. You can read more about the impressive body of research in our: Acupuncture During Pregnancy: What Does the Research Say?

In the meantime, here’s a list of the top 10 pregnancy-related conditions to consider acupuncture as well as a guide of best practices:

Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Breech Presentation

If you have just discovered that baby is breeched, you will be happy to learn that acupuncture and moxibustion are effective modalities to assist baby turn head down. If you are considering acupuncture, schedule an appointment as soon as you learn that baby is upside down, sideways, or in any position considered less than optimal. The optimal window for turning breech positioning is between 34-38 weeks.

As your pregnancy progresses towards week 40, baby naturally has less room to move. However, I have seen plenty of babies flip during weeks 39 and 40, as well as right before delivery just to keep everyone on their toes. However, most expectant moms would prefer not to leave things to the last minute.

Moxibustion is the process by which the Chinese herb known as Artemisia (mugwort), is heated over an acupuncture point, Bladder 67 (BL 67). Bladder 67 is located on the lateral edge of the pinky toe nail. Breech treatment is best done daily with the goal of relaxing the uterine wall, optimizing pelvic alignment, and increasing fetal movement.

Moms-to-be can learn moxibustion with the guidance of an acupuncturist, and perform the technique from the comfort of their home everyday for best results. I give in-person or telehealth tutorials so that pregnant moms can practice moxibustion daily until baby turns. The research about acupuncture and moxa during pregnancy is all positive. You can read more about the data on moxa as well as the following pregnancy-related conditions in our: Acupuncture During Pregnancy: What Does the Research Say?

Additionally, most moms also ask about other tried and true techniques for breech positioning. Visit Spinning Babies for many techniques to encourage optimal positioning. Moms can also try a perinatal chiropractor certified in the Webster technique. Regardless of the modality that you choose, I find that frequent visits scheduled over a short period of time is more effective than treatments spaced out weekly or longer. Most importantly, if you are able to do moxa at home, set aside a time each day to perform the technique and try some of the positions recommended on Spinning Babies as this technique relaxes the uterine wall and encourages fetal movement.

Acupuncture for Labor Induction

The research on acupuncture’s effectiveness on labor induction is impressive. Research shows that acupuncture shortens the time between estimated due dates and delivery dates, shortens labor length, reduces the need for pharmacologic pain management, as well as decreasing forceps and vacuum-assisted births. You can read more about specifics of various studies in our: Acupuncture During Pregnancy: What Does the Research Say?

When is the best time to start acupuncture for labor induction? I recommend that new patients schedule a first visit at 37 weeks when they are considered full-term. This gives us plenty of time to establish a health history for mom, understand her prenatal history, and ideal birth plan. Additionally, this also gives me time to communicate with their OB/GYN, midwife, and doula to discuss all the various factors going into the decisions being made as a due date approaches.

If you are already 40 weeks and you have been told that the clock is winding down to an induction, then schedule acupuncture as soon as possible and as often as possible. Similar to breech sessions, I have found that a handful of sessions scheduled on consecutive days or every other day is more effective than spacing out treatments. For labor induction, I also like to combine other modalities including massage, chiropractic care, and a handful of other practices depending how much time and energy mom-to-be has to spend as she prepares for labor.

Low Back Pain & Sciatica Due to Pregnancy

Low back pain and sciatica is one of the most frustrating and sometimes debilitating experiences during pregnancy. Approximately 50% of all pregnant women will experience low back pain during their pregnancies according to studies. Treatment is often limited to rest, therapeutic exercise, and postural adjustments. However, acupuncture is one of the most effective pain management tools. Research shows that acupuncture not only decreases pain, but improves function to give long-term relief.

How does acupuncture do this? Most likely, acupuncture’s effectiveness for low back pain relief is due to its ability to reduce inflammation, decrease muscle spasm, and have an effect on pain regulation. Additionally, acupuncture is uniquely suited to treat back pain as it is minimally invasive while able to treat multiple parts of the body often involved in chronic back pain.

For example, Huatojiaji acupuncture points, located at each level of the spine, allow access to the deep parasinal muscles, intervertebral discs, and facet joints. Facet joint dysfunction is often involved with chronic low back pain as the nerve roots pass through these small joints, connecting the the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Huatojiaji acupuncture points, located at each of these facet joints, are well-known for their ability to treat low back pain and traveling nerve pain into the hip, knee, and lower leg.

Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

Due to ever-changing hormones, stretching ligaments, and postural changes, pregnant women can also experience hip and pelvic pain. Specific conditions during pregnancy such as round ligament pain, a rectus diastasis, symphysis pubis dysfunction, and increasing pressure on the lumbar spine can also contribute to low back, hip, and pelvic pain. The good news is that research demonstrates that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of pelvic pain and low back pain.

Acupuncture is helpful for the treatment of pelvic pain given that the cause of pelvic pain can be complex, having multiple sources. For example, during an acupuncture treatment for pelvic pain, I often treat the lumbar spine, the hip, or other joints for the best outcome. Similar to low back pain, pain management options during pregnancy is often limited. Acupuncture provides a safe option with multiple benefits for mom and baby so seek treatment early.

As an integrative medicine practitioner, I find that the combination of modalities is especially helpful for both low back and pelvic pain. Acupuncture in addition to chiropractic care, Pilates, therapeutic exercise, or pelvic floor physical therapy may prove to be a winning combination. You can find a pelvic floor physical therapist specializing in your area through the American Physical Association for Pelvic Health.

Of course, there are times when pelvic pain can be an indication of a more serious condition. Contact your medical provider immediately if you are experiencing pelvic pain in combination with bleeding, fever, nausea and vomiting, or light-headedness. Even if you are not experiencing one of these symptoms, notify your OB/GYN or midwife as soon as possible. It’s important to find the best-suited provider so that you can determine the source of the discomfort and continue to enjoy your pregnancy.

Acupuncture & Acupressure for Morning Sickness

Few women are able to escape first-trimester nausea and morning sickness. For some, this frustrating and debilitating symptom quickly self-resolves. For others, daily nausea and vomiting can become a struggle and make the simplest of activities impossible. Hyperemesis gravidarum (severe and frequent vomiting), can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and other complications as a pregnancy progresses.

If you are pregnant and are beginning to experience the first waves of nausea, the best practice is to seek treatment as soon as possible. Small and frequent meals, fresh ginger tea, Vitamin B6, and acupressure on Pericardium 6 can all help. Pericardium 6, an acupuncture point located on the inside of the wrist is an acupuncture point typically used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting.

If the handful of the above suggestions doesn’t do the trick, it may be helpful to try acupuncture. Schedule a session sooner than later as treatments typically curb both the severity and length of time that pregnant women experience nausea. Similar to labor induction and breech treatment, I recommend that patients schedule a handful of sessions close to together. I also like to combine acupuncture with various integrative therapies to support the GI system especially if a patient has a history of GERD, another inflammatory GI condition, food allergies, or hypothyroidism.

Carpal Tunnel During Pregnancy

Similar to low back pain, acupuncture is a well-suited treatment modality for carpal tunnel. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling leading to decreased pressure around the median nerve and delicate structures of the wrist. In severe cases, carpal tunnel can lead to numbness, weakness, and reduced hand-grip strength. These symptoms are a particular challenge when caring for young children given the amount of repetitive motion required when lifting, carrying, diaper-changing, and breastfeeding.

Most musculoskeletal injuries respond better when treated early in the process, so don’t wait too long to seek treatment. As your pregnancy progresses, swelling can become a difficult challenge to overcome. Early acupuncture treatment can provide lasting relief. Similar to other orthopedic conditions that occur during pregnancy, I like to take a multidisciplinary approach. Acupuncture, natural anti-inflammatories, targeted trigger point massage, as well as various heat and cold therapies can all be effective depending on the stage of the injury.

Heartburn, Constipation, & GERD

Heartburn, constipation, and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) are just a few of the lovely gastrointestinal symptoms that pregnant women may experience. As your pregnancy progresses, the digestive system slows, muscle tone decreases, and stomach acid production drops. These changes contribute to constipation, acid reflux, and other unpleasant GI symptoms. While some autoimmune-mediated GI conditions tend to improve during pregnancy, patients with preexisting digestive issues tend to experience more symptoms.

Similar to the use of PC 6 for nausea, vomiting, and hyperemesis garvidarum, this point and other acupuncture locations can be effective tools for treating a variety of GI woes during pregnancy. Acupuncture is also a helpful tool for inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Chrohn’s disease. The best approach is start acupuncture treatment early or at the first sign of significant heartburn, constipation, or acid reflux. I like to combine acupuncture with other modalities to provide relief as soon as possible so moms-to-be can return to their regular activities. Additionally, we try to determine the root of the issue to prevent a reoccurrence during future pregnancies.

Improved Lactation & Breastfeeding

One of the most difficult periods during postpartum is during those first few weeks when mom and baby are trying to learn the challenging art of breastfeeding. Some moms and babies synch immediately, but typically it can takes a few weeks for mom’s supply to match baby’s need. The potential problems are numerous: too much milk, too little milk, cracked nipples, infected and inflamed breast tissue (mastitis), baby is too sleepy, baby is too fussy, baby is too gassy, and on and on.

Acupuncture and the use of organic Chinese herbs can assist with this postpartum period to help mom and baby adjust more smoothly. Specific acupuncture are points are indicated for improved milk flow in ancient texts and modern research suggests that acupressure alone can help. Additionally, acupuncture can be a wonderful tool for the treatment of neck, shoulder, and back pain.

Upper body pain goes hand-in-hand with all-day (and night) nursing sessions along with constant holding, carrying, and snuggling. Additionally, the use of a lactation consultation or a few helpful words from moms-that-have-been-there at La Leche League International can be a helpful lifeline. Extra support during this time will help you navigate common breastfeeding issues as well as enjoy the many potential joys and health benefits of breastfeeding.

Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety can be difficult to identify even for well-trained practitioners. Moms typically experience some level of baby blues due to the significant physical, emotional, and social changes that present themselves after delivery. Simply put, moms and their families need extra support after every birth and postpartum period.

If you or a loved one needs additional emotional support, reach out to a trusted provider for a referral to a counselor that specializes in perinatal and postpartum support. This may include an OB/GYN, midwife, doula, or another mom that may have a good list of providers in the area. Additionally, you can complete one of the screening tools available for postpartum depression such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale.

Acupuncture has been shown in research to be an effective treatment for anxiety as well as a myriad of other mental health conditions. You can read more about this research as well as acupuncture’s effectiveness for stress reduction in our Acupuncture for Anxiety and Stress Reduction article. Acupuncture is an important tool for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety given its safety and ability to help regulate postpartum hormonal and physiological changes. Many moms report experiencing better sleep, deep relaxation, and a returned sense of well-being following acupuncture.

If you found this article helpful, you may enjoy our Top 10 Reasons to Try Acupuncture for Women’s Health.

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