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Acupuncture to Induce Labour - Is It Right for You?
Acupuncture, an ancient, natural pain relief technique involves the insertion of thin needles into various pressure points to release pain and pressure. Lately, it has started gaining popularity as a means to initiate labour. Studies suggest that women who had performed acupuncture during pregnancy had an increased likelihood of getting into labour naturally, thereby reducing their chance of needing a cesarean for delivery. Applying acupressure is usually easy, and it can be quite effective in inducing labour when done by a professional. Acupressure can be a great way to kick-start labour without relying on a medical 'push'.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the earliest known healthcare systems in the world. Originated in China, it is an alternative medical practice that works on the belief that life energy flows through the body and any blockage which interrupts this energy flow can result in pain or disease. According to traditional Chinese medicine, health is a harmonious equilibrium of complementary life force extremes, “yin” and “yang”. Any imbalance of these life forces can cause illness. Practitioners inject very thin needles to different depths at specific body points to relieve pressure, clear blockages and facilitate the flow of energy. The resultant balancing of energy helps boost one's well-being and brings relief from pain and health issues like headaches, whooping cough, and blood pressure problems.
Is Acupuncture Safe to Induce Labour?
The acupuncture points can be helpful during childbirth. It may be a subtle and harmless way to induce labour without side effects. The limited studies conducted till date reveal that the use of acupuncture is safe in order to induce labour, and no known harmful effects to the expectant mother and her unborn child have been recorded. However, more research is required to study in detail its efficiency to prompt labour and ascertain all the likely risks. Insufficient evidence makes it tough to guarantee its safety.
It is advisable to use acupuncture to induce labour only if the expectant mother is 40 weeks pregnant - it may be inherently dangerous to apply it earlier as it might encourage labour too early. Also, it is important to allow a trained and skilled acupuncturist to perform it instead of trying it on one's own. The use of disposable, pre-sterilised needles and maintaining strict hygiene is essential to avoid any probable infections later on.
How Does Acupuncture Work During Labour?
Acupuncture and labour may have a strong connection. Acupuncture can stimulate a pregnant woman’s body once she has completed the gestation period to get ready for labour. Needling can trigger her body to release prostaglandins which ripen the cervix, and Oxycontin, which generates contractions. The production of hormones naturally develops a gradual start of labour rather than a traumatic one, and the expectant mom is more likely to have a smooth and easy delivery. Some doctors like to call acupuncture “labour preparation” as it preps the mother and baby for the childbirth process by relaxing the body and activating hormone release, followed by uterine contractions. In any case, the therapy helps the pregnant women relax and feel good.
Can Acupuncture Relieve Labour Pain?
There are two primary theories about how acupuncture can help relieve labour pain. One is built on neuroscience, which believes that needling stimulates nerves, connective tissues and muscles which enhances blood flow and signals the brain to release the body’s natural painkillers - endorphins. Endorphins are believed to be more potent than the popular narcotic, morphine, in diminishing even severe pain. Another theory states that an acupuncture birth may help in decreasing the body’s inflammatory proteins causing reduction in pain and inflammation.
Most mainstream doctors are accepting of the therapy’s technique for pain relief particularly when conventional medicine isn’t useful. However, acupuncture continues to be controversial in Western medical science. It is hard to establish investigations using scientific controls owing to the invasive nature of the technique; therefore, it remains unclear how acupuncture may work scientifically to benefit with pain relief during labour.
How Many Acupuncture Treatments Are Required to Induce Labour?
Acupuncture is simply a means to spark the progression of natural labour. It may work differently for different people and in different situations. In instances where pregnant women have completed full gestation, they may require between one and three acupuncture treatments before labour commences. Several studies indicate that labour normally starts 6 to 48 hours after an acupuncture session. In case a pregnant woman is overdue, she may like to receive treatment every alternate day to provoke labour. On an average, things may progress for most pregnant women after 2 to 3 treatments. However, it is advisable to speak to a doctor before seeking acupuncture treatments while pregnant.
How Quickly and Effectively Will Acupuncture Work To Induce Labour?
An acupuncturist may not be able to use all the pressure points when dealing with pregnant women because of their stimulating impact on the body. Some points, like the lower back or upper shoulders may already be sore due to pregnancy. Thus, the treatment can comfort and soothe some of the aches and pains which in turn may provide an additional boost of energy that is much needed at the time of labour and delivery.
Further studies show that pregnant women who received 2 to 3 acupuncture sessions advanced into labour naturally compared to women who received only standard care. But needling may not cause labour if the body is not ready for it. Research reports that in cases where mothers are overdue, the success rate of acupuncture to bring on labour is almost 88 %.
Therefore, the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in bringing relief from pain at various stages of labour may be promising, but its effect or usefulness in causing labour is not definitive.
Benefits of Acupuncture to Induce Labour
Some of the possible benefits of acupuncture to induce labour can be:
Pregnant women are less likely to experience extreme pain and ask for epidurals for pain relief because of acupuncture therapy
It may induce adequate relaxation and calmness which can help pregnant women during labour. Relaxed muscles can translate into a feeling of less pain in labour
Being calm can result in the release of Oxycontin, which is responsible for producing contractions, thereby averting unnecessary intervention
At times, the childbirth process may take a lot of time, causing much distress. In such scenarios, acupuncture can be most helpful to incite labour
FAQs
Some of the frequently asked questions about acupuncture are:
1. Should I Consult an Acupuncturist Who Specialises in Pregnancy?
Every individual may have a different requirement of acupuncture. Also, most maternity hospitals do not support this practice. Therefore, pregnant women who want to opt for acupuncture may have to look for private acupuncturists who are experts in managing such cases. It is important to consider one's finances as it can be expensive.
2. Should I Get Acupuncture Before 35 Weeks of Pregnancy?
No, you should not attempt to start labour before 35 weeks of pregnancy. The topic of early induction has generated much discussion. Almost all doctors agree that the delivery process should not be hastened by acupuncture except if it is medically compulsory.
Acupuncture treatments may have many advantages for expectant moms. Some women may prefer to explore alternative medicine to incite labour to avoid the use of drugs and their side effects. But more conclusive research is required for acupuncture to be accepted in mainstream medical practices. Someday, it can benefit more women to give birth naturally (vaginally).
Also Read: Best Ways to Induce Labour Naturally Read more
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Breastfeeding the joy and the job. Let's see through my eyes
Breastfeeding is the most satisfying and with the same time most tiring job in the world. I faced both difficulties and joy doing that. When my baby was about 2 months old, suddenly 1 day he took less milk for 2 days. I went to my mother's home on that same day after almost a year so I was so excited and ignored completely my mild breast pain due to fullness and engorgment. After some day it converted into breast abscess. That was a very difficult and depressing time for me. But things got better slowly and I continued to breastfed my child and the biggest supporter were both my mothers. So I just want to say all the new memories please take care of your self and regularly check your breast. If you are having excessive milk production then pump it out. I can suggest some good pump if someone wants. Take care and stay blessed. Hope no one has to face that. And do breastfeed your child as it has many benefits to you and your baby. Your milk have a compound called DHA, which is very beneficial for your baby's brain development. It increases the immunity so your child will have less infection. His gut will be strong and he will have less allergic disease. His growth will be good. At the time of breastfeeding there will be skin to skin contact with the baby which gives the baby sense of security and will strengthen the bond between you two. It also stabilizes baby's heart rate and breathing. And now about you , your increased weight during pregnancy will go down. Breastfeeding relieves the stress , gives you a sense of empowerment. You will notice you have changed alot after being a mother and your respect towards your mother will increases about thousands of time. That sleepless night that crying and finally that joy. Posting my one of the favorite pic with my son when he started grabbing my finger 😍 Read more
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Best Ways to Treat Hormonal Imbalance in Women
Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands, and they are the chemical messengers in the body. Any up and down in the hormone levels can cause an imbalance, which has serious consequences.
Causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Females
Hormones play a vital role in a woman’s body, and they affect almost everything from metabolism to fertility. Hormone levels are never stable, and they might also go out of balance. Since they are very important, small imbalances could cause many problems and determining them could help solve the problem. Here are a few reasons for hormonal imbalance in women:
1. Ageing
When a woman gets older, the levels of hormones in her body naturally decline. Progesterone and estrogen are the two major hormones created during the menstrual cycle. Hormone levels fluctuate when a woman reaches menopause, and they gradually decline. They might even start decreasing many years before menopause.
During menopause, even progesterone and estrogen gradually decline. Weight gain, trouble sleeping, hot flashes and several other symptoms are due to the decline in these hormones.
Studies have also found that during menopause, the decrease in the hormone estrogen sometimes increases visceral fat. This is particularly dangerous since the fat surrounds many vital organs in the body.
2. Over-exercising
Though exercising is good for maintaining your health, too much of it can cause a decrease in the level of estrogen. Your body consumes a large amount of energy when you regularly exercise vigorously every day. Processes such as reproduction and bodybuilding start to shut down gradually, and your body generates lesser hormones like estrogen. This reduction can cause infertility, osteoporosis, and even hot flashes.
3. Poor Diet
A poor diet could also be a reason for the imbalance in the level of hormones like eating a large amount of food with high sugar and carbohydrate levels which increase the levels of cortisol in the body. When the body has high cortisol levels, it affects the amount of progesterone generated.
A decline in hormones is also seen when reducing a large number of calories. A study indicates that a significant decrease in calories can cause an imbalance in the levels of hormones, disturbing the menstrual cycle.
4. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a drug that eliminates cancer cells, and though it is life-saving, there is a chance of it affecting many other body cells. It might sometimes cause discontinuation in the production of hormones and shut down the ovaries, leading to medical menopause. Both medical and natural menopause have the same symptoms, but symptoms of medical menopause are sudden.
5. Hysterectomy
This is a procedure in which the uterus is removed. Hysterectomy is suggested for treating issues like uterine prolapsed, fibroids, and even heavy menstrual bleeding. In some cases, ovaries that produce progesterone and estrogen are also removed, causing surgical menopause. If they are not removed, there is less blood supply which affects its function.
Studies show that reduction in hormone levels due to surgical or natural menopause before the age of 50 can increase the risk of coronary artery disease.
6. Xenoestrogens
These are chemicals found in almost all the items we use, from insecticides to plastic products, makeup, and even certain foods. A few examples of this chemical include parabens, BHA food preservative, and benzophenone present in sunscreen. This can have an estrogen-like effect and disrupt the endocrine system.
Research indicates that this chemical can sometimes mimic the role of estrogen and cause interference with the actions of natural estrogen. When the xenoestrogens are high in the body, it increases the level of estrogens, causing estrogen dominance where there is an imbalance between progesterone and estrogen. This condition is sometimes called progesterone deficiency.
7. Environmental Exposure
Harmful chemicals in our surroundings can interfere with and affect the balance of hormones. These are called endocrine disrupters. The endocrine system is in charge of creating and managing the body’s hormones. These chemicals could be from anything like pesticides, pollution, household cleaners, paints, car exhaust, products, and food. Some disruptions are:
Hormone imitations
An increase or decrease in the generation of hormones
It could turn one hormone into another completely different hormone
It might interfere with hormone signalling
Cause premature death to cells
Compete with important nutrients
link with hormones
Accumulate in hormone-producing organs.
8. PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a disorder in which the woman produces higher amounts of male hormones. This can affect the levels of hormones in women which cause prevention of normal menstrual periods making it harder to get pregnant. Imbalance in hormones due to this condition can cause problems like sleep apnea, infertility, metabolic syndrome, depression, and even endometrial cancer.
Signs of Hormonal Imbalances in Women
Hormones can affect nearly everything in your body. There is a wide range of symptoms that can indicate a hormonal imbalance. Some symptoms of hormonal imbalance in females are:
Irregular or heavy periods, sometimes missed, frequent, or stopped periods.
Hirsutism, or excess growth of hair on the chin, face, or other parts.
Acne on the chest, face, or upper back
Hair loss or thinning of hair
Gain in weight and trouble losing it
Skin darkening, especially along the neck, the groin, and below the breasts
Skin tags
Vaginal dryness
Pain during sex
Vaginal atrophy
Night sweats
Fatigue
Swelling, pain, or stiffness on the joints
Increased hunger
Pink or purple stretch marks
How to Diagnose Hormonal Imbalance in Women
Doctors use multiple tests to diagnose hormonal imbalance in a patient. You should start by taking an appointment for a physical exam with the doctor. You must also be prepared to talk about the symptoms you think you have been having and that has occurred. Also take the list of vitamins, supplements or other medication you are taking at the time.
Your doctor will ask a series of questions like:
How often do you experience the symptoms?
Have you put on or lost weight recently?
Are you very stressed these days?
Depending on the symptoms and hormonal disorders in females, you might also be asked to take one or more diagnostic tests.
Treatment Options for Female Hormonal Imbalance
The treatments will depend on the cause. Some of the common treatments include:
1. Estrogen Therapy
If you are going through a few uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, your doctor might suggest you take a lesser dosage of estrogen. Don’t forget to ask your doctor about the benefits and the risks of this therapy with the doctor.
2. Vaginal Estrogen
If you have symptoms like vaginal dryness or experience pain during sex, it is recommended to try an estrogen cream, ring, or tablet. This treatment avoids a lot of risks that come with systemic estrogen, or the estrogen that travels to the organ through the bloodstream.
3. Hormonal Birth Control
This can help in getting pregnant by regulating the menstrual cycles. There are several types of birth control like:
Birth control patch
Birth control pill
Vaginal ring
Birth control shot
Intrauterine device (IUD)
This could stabilise the hormonal imbalance in young women + facial hair, and hormonal imbalance acne female are also improved.
4. Anti-Androgen Medications
This hormone is a male sex hormone which is also present in women. When this hormone is high, you can take medications to reduce the effect of androgen, like:
Loss of hair
Facial hair growth
Acne
5. Eflornithine (Vaniqa)
This is a cream that is specifically designed to remove the excessively grown facial hair in women. When you apply it over your skin, it works by reducing the time of growth of new hair, though the existing hair is unaffected.
Home Remedies for Hormonal Imbalance in Female
How to treat hormonal imbalance in female naturally? There are some natural remedies you could try to help with the hormonal imbalance.
1. Take Bioidentical Hormones
You can replace the missing hormones in your body by taking bioidentical hormones that are safe. They are different from hormone replacement therapy which has synthetic hormones. The hormones the body makes and bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical. Moreover, they are specifically designed for each person. These will help to ease the symptoms.
2. Having a Healthy Diet
You should start having a healthy diet planned to balance your hormones. It is best to avoid processed foods as it might contain chemicals that affect the hormones, like dyes and preservatives. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in protein and healthy fats. Make sure you are well hydrated too.
3. Exercising Regularly
Excessive exercise is bad as it interferes with hormonal levels, but very less exercise could also cause problems. It could cause obesity which affects the levels of estrogen. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes about four days a week.
4. Practice Good Sleeping Habits
It is important to get enough sleep to balance the levels of hormones. Most adults need seven or eight hours of sleep every night. Try to sleep comfortably in a quiet and dark room.
5. Learn Stress Reduction
Stress can change the production of hormones, causing major imbalances. Look for healthy ways to deal with your stress like breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga.
Hormones are essential for most of the processes in the body. When they are imbalanced, you will experience a variety of symptoms. It is best to seek treatment, as hormonal imbalances can cause serious complications.
Also Read: Warning Signals Periods Give About Health Read more
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The Importance of Staying Hydrated During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the best phases of a woman's life. As soon as she finds out that a little life is growing inside her body, she starts nurturing and loving it unconditionally. She starts taking care of herself even more.
Staying hydrated during pregnancy is as important as eating. Instead of eating for two, eating right and staying hydrated is crucial. Many women tend to eat more and drink less during this time. And I was one of them. I realised this only when I was diagnosed with oligohydramnios. Oligohydramnios is a condition of low amniotic fluid. A number of injections, glucose bottles, and medicines are what saved my baby girl who still was born prematurely due to my low amniotic fluid. So to avoid complications during pregnancy and to ensure that the baby grows properly, one should have plenty of fluids during pregnancy.
Here's How You Can Stay Hydrated during Pregnancy
Try to drink at least 2 litres of water every day.
Include juices, soups, coconut water, buttermilk, and milk in your routine diet.
Try to avoid strenuous exercises which can cause overheating of your body which in turn results in loss of water.
Eat fruits like watermelon, banana, apples and oranges as it can hydrate your body.
Avoid stress because it indirectly affects your hydration.
Benefits of Staying Hydrated during Pregnancy
Water and fluids help in formation of amniotic fluid which act as a growth medium and safety barrier between the baby and external environment.
Staying hydrated helps eliminate toxins from your body.
Drinking adequate water can also help in relieving heartburn and acidity, which is a common problem during pregnancy.
It can keep urinary tract infections at bay and protect you and your baby.
Staying hydrated also decreases the chances of preterm labour.
Although staying hydrated is important during all the three trimesters but it is most important to stay hydrated during the third trimester to prevent the chances of preterm labor. So all the pregnant ladies, sit back, relax and stay hydrated and enjoy your beautiful journey towards motherhood!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Santu has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
12 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
1) till how many days after delivery baby needs to keep on uterus temperatures/warm temperature?
2) Can baby & mother both take bath after 24 hours of delivery?
Santu
Mom of 2 children
12 hours ago
A. It depends on moms and babys health I feel and suggest It's better to check with your doctor and follow their advise. That would be one of the best and safest option for your baby as of now. Take care.
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. dual marker test is for what purpose??
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
11 hours ago
A. The double marker test helps determine whether the unborn baby has any risk of developing neurological abnormalities or mental disorders
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 7 m old child
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
How to cure constipation in Babies
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. Constipation in Babies less than 1 year is very common and more in formula fed babies and also when initially the semi solid food has been started after 6 months .
you can give bonnisan drops and some enzyme preparations in proper dose suggested by doctor angyd cow's milk should be avoided before 1 year of age . Medications are required but it shobuld be given only in medical supervision .
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
6 hours ago
Q. Hello, I'm a hypothyroidism patients consumes 25mg tab,
can I take apple cider vinegar?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. I don’t think so ACv is going to be a problem but it would be better that you check with your doctor because Apple cider vinegar has couple of side-effects also also which a lot of people are not aware about so do not take it without your doctors advice and consent
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts can i go for long trips with my 7 months old baby
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 3 yr old boy
11 mins ago
A. if you are comfortable then go
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts plz suggest me medicine for toothache
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. A proper assessment is required here so regarding this it is vmore favourable to contact your local doctor and accordingly he will guide in a proper manner.
If any more queries you can tgake online consultation on the platform for a detailed discussion .
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Mom of a 1 m old boy
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