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It’s normal for a pregnant woman to be nervous about giving birth. Labor and childbirth can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. Medical complications that result from physical changes during pregnancy can cause problems during labor or delivery.

If you are anxious about childbirth, consider giving acupuncture a try!

For women in San Francisco, pregnancy acupuncture near you can help prepare your body for childbirth. The aim of acupuncture for birth preparation is to prepare the woman’s body and encourage the baby to position itself for birth. Acupuncture relaxes the muscles and tendons involved in childbirth and calms the nervous system, helping reduce stress and anxiety.

Acupuncture can also help address many common pregnancy complaints ranging from morning sickness to vaginal discharge.

Here are some ways acupuncture can help you prepare for labor and childbirth 

Boost Energy Levels and Improve Sleep Quality 

Pregnant women have a herculean task ahead of them. Giving birth is like running a marathon. A difficult birth can test the woman’s body and take every ounce of strength, focus, and willpower.

Acupuncture can help ensure you feel good before going into labor. Acupuncture for birth preparation boosts energy levels so you have enough energy to get through childbirth.

Studies show that sleep quality and energy levels are correlated. Acupuncture can help improve sleep quality. It relaxes the mind, decreases stress, and stimulates the brain to increase the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.

Has a Calming Effect

Stress, tension, and anxiety can lead to labor complications. Acupuncture for childbirth can help regulate your nervous system so you feel calm and relaxed going into childbirth. It can help lower adrenaline levels and increase oxytocin levels in the body to keep stress and anxiety in check.

Turns Breech Babies

By about 32-34 weeks, the baby should go into a head-down position. If the baby does not move into the position, it is called a breech presentation. A breech baby is at high risk of getting stuck in the birth canal. If this happens, the baby’s oxygen supply through the umbilical cord can get cut off.

Acupuncturists burn the herb mugwort or moxa sticks near their patients’ toes for 15-20 minutes to turn breech babies. The alternative therapy is known as moxibustion and is usually performed when women are 34 weeks pregnant.

Helps Ensure Good Hip and Back Alignment 

When your hip and back are properly aligned, your baby can comfortably move into the optimal position for birth. Also, when you go into labor, your hips and back have a lot of work to do.

Poor posture can affect hip and back alignment. Acupuncture for birth preparation can help relieve back and hip pain – two of the most common complaints during pregnancy. When your muscles and tendons are relaxed, you are able to maintain good posture. Anchor Acupuncture & Wellness is committed to promoting healthy pregnancies for women in San Francisco, Albany, and the surrounding areas. Our acupuncturists are adept at developing customized treatment solutions to reduce our patients’ risk of pregnancy complications. To talk to one of our licensed acupuncturists, call (415) 855-3112.