Spring is the time of renewal and rebirth. Trees and tulips are blooming, Mother’s Day is coming, and worries about fertility abound.
The efficacy of acupuncture in enhancing fertility is well known. In fact, reproductive endocrinologists often recommend acupuncture during fertility treatments. However, when it comes to acupuncture during pregnancy, some women are afraid to continue receiving treatment, thinking that somehow the baby will be jeopardized. No need to worry!
Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy. I have treated many women in all stages of pregnancy, from the week after a positive test to the day before delivery. Acupuncture treatment during pregnancy can ease backaches, nausea, carpal tunnel syndrome and fatigue.
As a licensed practitioner I have learned which protocols and points are safe to use during the various stages of pregnancy. One of the first things we learn are the “contraindicated points.” These points are not used once a woman is pregnant. Not surprisingly, these are the points we use to encourage labor. A colleague once asked in a professional forum if anyone had heard of a miscarriage from these points; no one had, but we don’t take any chances
Herbs can be a point of conflict between patients and practitioners, pregnant or not. Some conditions that inhibit fertility, such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), do respond well to acupuncture, but adding herbal formulas really enhances the effectiveness of the treatment. Studies have shown that the effects of medications, such as Clomid, are improved while taking herbs. In addition, there are herbal formulas for each of the four phases of the menstrual cycle, for anemia during pregnancy, and to prevent miscarriage.
Despite the 2,000-year history of Chinese herbal medicine, some women refuse herbal formulas, believing that they are not safe during pregnancy. Meanwhile, many women are happy to use the pharmaceuticals recommended by their doctors. And while we hope and pray that these medicines are safe, unfortunately, it is not always the case. I do sound a little cranky about this, but it is frustrating to see a grown woman turn up her nose at a 1,000-year-old formula (that gets great results) and say she won’t take it because “she doesn’t trust it” or “it won’t taste good.” Surely, no one has refused an antibiotic because of the taste.
Herbal formulas are available in raw form, where you cook the herbs, granules, which can be dissolved in water, and capsules. Capsules, by the way, do not have much taste.
Licensed acupuncturists get their herbal formulas from reputable companies that know where their herbs are sourced and can often provide lab testing regarding heavy metals and pesticides. Getting your Chinese herbal formulas from Amazon and Temu is not recommended.
In preparation for this article, I reviewed my copy of “Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine” by Jane Lyttleton, a well-known Australian acupuncturist. She includes the important herbal formulas for treatment of the various challenges to fertility and issues that arise during pregnancy. Also included is the list of contraindicated herbs and those to be used with caution. A trained and licensed acupuncturist has learned what is safe and what is not. If I am not familiar with a formula or an herb, I research its safety before I prescribe. This is what your M.D. does; she has learned what medications can be safely administered to a pregnant woman.
Be reassured, acupuncture and the appropriately prescribed herbs can be safe for both you and your baby during pregnancy.
Your OB-GYN is your first source for questions during pregnancy. Most do support acupuncture, and any reputable acupuncturist would be happy to discuss any questions or issues.
Dr. Sara Youner is the owner of Morning Light Acupuncture in Springfield, New Jersey. She can be reached at (908) 400-2314. Appointments can be made online at www.morninglightacupucnturenj.com.
