During pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, a lot is happening in the bodies of expecting mothers which very often cause discomforts. Acupuncture is an ideal natural method to help relieve pregnancy-related discomfort symptoms. It effectively and gently alleviates typical symptoms of early pregnancy such as tireness, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, lower back pain, headaches, and sleep problems. Moreover, acupuncture can benefit the development of the baby by stimulate the blood circulation which transfer oxygen and nutriens from the mother to him. Besides, studies have shown that acupuncture can help calm down the uterus, decrease inflammation and therefore contribute to decrease miscarriage rates. Acupuncture is also applied to induce labor in special cases (breech position baby, pregnancy over 39 weeks, etc). In Europe, the use of acupuncture to manage labor pain during delivery was introduced since 1970s and is now regarded as effective and useful. Since then, acupuncture has also been used to facilitate the process of labor. In Norway, 85% of hospitals have acupuncturists active on labor services (Barratt-Due, Hagen, & Dahl, 2005). In Germany, approximately 50% of midwives use acupuncture. In the USA, Acupuncture is also aknowledged among midwives and obstetricians in the United States, as an effective method for management of hyperemesis gravidarum, labor induction, breech correction, analgesia, and reduction of duration of labor have shown positive results. Almost 20% of nurse midwives in North Carolina reported the use of acupuncture in pregnancy (Allaire, Moos, & Wells, 2000). There do not appear any significant fetal or maternal risks incurred when using acupuncture in pregnancy (Curtis, 2006; Neri, Fazzio, Menghini, Volpe, & Facchinetti, 2002; Scharf, Staboulidou, Gunter, Wustermann, & Sohn, 2003).

How does an acupuncture session looks like?

When you arrive at Vietkimhong Clinic, you will have an examination and consultation with Dr. Nguyen Thu Hong. She will go through your medical history, examine your health status, make tonge and pulse diagnosis and explain to you the treatment plan.

During the acupuncture treatment, you can sit or lie in a position that is comfortable for you. The doctor will insert some sterile and very thin needles on skin of your back, hands and legs at certain points.  These points are called acupuncture points, which help moving the energy flow through the body.  Depending on your individual symptoms, the doctor choose the points that can alleviate your specific discomfort. The needles stay at these points for 20 to 30 minutes. You often feel relax and a pleasant sensation that flows through your body during the treatment. These are signs that the acupuncture  is working by stimulate blood circulation, the nervous system and the well being of the body.

FAQs about acupuncture during pregnancy

When should I start acupuncture treatment?

As acupuncture specialist, we highly recommend that pregnant women should go to acupuncture treatment one time per week for the first 24 weeks (end of the second trimester). The treatment goal is to relieve pregnancy discomfort such as tiredness, nausea, vomit, stress, low back pain, and also help to prevent miscarriage. After 6 months, women can also continue acupuncture on third trimester if they belong to high risk group (over 40 years old, obesity, have chronical diseases, previously miscarriages, etc.)

Can acupuncture do any harm to my pregnancy?

When done properly by a trained professional, acupuncture during pregnancy is safe and does no harm to pregnancy. There is no evidence that acupuncture can cause major complications or miscarriage. The important thing is that you have to choose the right acupuncturist, who have licence and work experience. In our clinic, Dr. Hong have more than 10 years of experience of treating gynaecology problems and fertility problems.

Does it hurt?

It is rarely reported that acupuncture cause pain, because the needles used are super thin and the technique of inserting the needle is quite fast, so you almost feel no pain at all. Moreover, researchers have found that many acupoints can trigger the release of endorphins , which is our body nature pain killer substance. That is why acupuncture help relieve pain and other discomforts.

How much does it cost?

In Vietkimhong clinic, the treatment cost is covered by main health insurances if you are their member. The treatment cost and discount can be found here.

CONTACT: Dr. Nguyen Hong, Tel: +36 70 943 1878,Email: hongnbcc@gmail.com

Budapest- Vietkimhong Clinic, 1051 Budapest, Arany János str.33, 1.floor.2, doorbell 127. Opening hours: Friday, Saturday 8:00- 18:00

Miskolc- 3515 Miskolc, Egyetemváros, Egyetem str. 17, Bolyai Kollégium, E/4 building, ground floor, CSPMed clinic. Opening hours: Thursday 10:00- 17:00

Győr-  Vietkimhong Clinic, 9026 Győr, Révfalu, From October 2021. Opening hours: Wednesday 10:00- 17:00

Reference:

Link https://www.cnyfertility.com/acupuncture-for-fertility/

Link https://www.venusmed.at/en/pregnancy/acupuncture/

Acupuncture for Birth Preparation and Delivery: How Investigating Mechanisms of Action Can Generate ResearchAcupuncture during pregnancy Link https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1533210106298060

Point of Influence: What is the Role of Acupuncture in In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes? MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE Volume 31, Number 6, 2019 # Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. DOI: 10.1089/acu.2019.1392