Common questions from expecting mothers

Is this safe during pregnancy and other FAQ

We treat dozens of health conditions at the Sunset Healing Collective, including care for pregnant women. Here are some questions our expecting mothers want to know about acupuncture and pregnancy.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Acupuncture is not only safe during pregnancy, but it can be an excellent therapy to help both mom and baby have a harmoniously regulated nervous system.

Additionally, acupuncture can be used throughout pregnancy to treat common complaints like nausea, morning sickness, headaches, carpal tunnel, sciatica, insomnia, pre-eclampsia, anxiety, sinus issues, immune weakness, and the list goes on.

Is acupuncture good for my developing baby?

I have been treating pregnant women for 20 years, and while I have zero scientific “proof” acupuncture is “good” for the fetus, I have made some observations based on treating dozens of expectant mothers.

Mothers who received consistent acupuncture treatments throughout the second and third trimesters, were all spared colicky babies.

I developed a treatment protocol called Happy Baby Acupuncture specifically for this.

Can acupuncture turn a breech baby?

Yes! In about 80% of cases, in my 20+ years of experience, acupuncture and moxibustion have supported the successful turn from breech to a head-down position.

In those cases that were unsuccessful, there was common thread…the mother was beyond 37 weeks of gestation.

It is recommended to attempt the repositioning of the baby between 34-37 weeks gestation.

Can acupuncture induce labor?

It depends.  I always tell my patients that the baby is going to come when it’s good and ready.  Trying to induce labor early, before 40 weeks almost always fails.

However, if you have a history of needing an induction, I have seen acupuncture in the weeks leading up to the induction date help to hasten the labor and delivery.

In patients who have crossed the 40-week mark, acupuncture has much higher outcomes of success in inducing labor.