Acupuncture Therapy for Pregnant Women, What are the Benefits?

Illustration of acupuncture for pregnant women. (Ist)

JAKARTA - During pregnancy, not a few women experience various physical and emotional changes that are not always easy to live with. From nausea and vomiting in the early trimester, back pain, body fatigue, to anxiety before childbirth are complaints that are quite common for pregnant women.

In that condition, some mothers began to look for companion therapy which is considered more natural and minimal consumption of drugs, one of which is acupuncture.

This therapy has recently become increasingly popular because it is considered to help reduce various complaints during pregnancy. However, there are still many prospective mothers who question the safety of acupuncture for pregnant women.

Eka Hospital PIK Acupuncture Specialist, dr. Laura Widiastuti, Sp.Ak, said that acupuncture is no longer just a traditional therapy, but has been used as a medically based companion therapy.

"Acupuncture is not just an alternative therapy, but it is medically based and used as an adjunct therapy to help pregnant women feel more comfortable," he said in a media briefing in South Jakarta, recently.

Acupuncture procedures are performed by inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to trigger therapeutic effects. This practice is carried out based on the approach of anatomy, physiology, and medical pathology.

This therapy has also been recommended by the World Health Organization as a therapy that can be integrated into the health service system.

When therapy is carried out, the body will provide a biological response that helps increase certain hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. The effect is considered to help the body become more relaxed and comfortable during pregnancy.

"This stimulation can help increase hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, improve blood circulation, and help the body achieve balance," said dr. Laura.

Acupuncture itself is often used to help reduce some common complaints in pregnant women, such as nausea and vomiting, back pain, and to help prepare for childbirth.

Some conditions that can be helped by acupuncture include nausea and vomiting, back pain, to help prepare for childbirth.

In addition, this therapy is also said to help reduce the perception of pain during childbirth, support the production of breast milk, to help handle the position of the fetus in the breech position in certain conditions.

However, Dr. Laura emphasized that the benefits of acupuncture do not mean that complaints will immediately disappear completely. In the case of nausea and vomiting, for example, this therapy is more helpful in reducing the intensity and frequency of complaints.

"Acupuncture can help reduce the intensity and frequency of nausea, although it does not always completely eliminate it," he explained.

Acupuncture is also considered safe for pregnant women as long as it is carried out by a competent medical professional and using the appropriate technique. However, not all pregnancy conditions can undergo this therapy immediately without further examination.

"There are certain conditions that need to be considered, so consulting a doctor is still important before starting therapy," he added.

According to dr. Laura, acupuncture should be understood as an accompanying therapy, not a substitute for the main medical treatment during pregnancy.

"Pregnant women still need to consult a doctor before starting therapy, so that it can be adjusted to each person's condition," he concluded.