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Healthy Pregnancies Lead to Healthy Babies and Children


By Brittany Schram, M.S., L.Ac., Acupuncture Denver Staff

Did you know that the first 9 months play a critical role in determining our health throughout our lives? Expecting mothers not only experience a physical change during pregnancy, they also take on a huge responsibility of their child's future by the way they care for themselves during pregnancy. We all know that smoking, drinking and drugs are linked with birth defects, but poor nutrition and stress can also negatively impact your child.

In a Time Magazine article, Annie Murphy Paul stated, "The kind, and quantity of nutrition you receive in the womb; the pollutants, drugs and infections you were exposed to during gestation; your mother's health, stress level and state of mind while she was pregnant with you, are all factors that shape you as a baby and a child, and continue to affect you to this day." Temperament of the baby has been linked to the mother's mood as well. "It may be that the intrauterine environment is a third pathway by which mental illness is passed down in families," suggests Catherine Monk, assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University.

Acupuncture can help in all stages of pregnancy. Our ancient secret is not only effective for treating morning sickness and other early pregnancy symptoms in the first trimester, but it can also help prepare you for labor in the third trimester. At Acupuncture Denver, we offer "pre-birth" treatments that have been found to shorten labor time and reduce the need for medical interventions. Schedule an appointment with us today to help make your delivery as smooth as possible!

Take care of yourself, be conscious of what you are eating, exercise, and focus on a positive emotional state for the sake of your baby. Acupuncture treatments throughout pregnany are safe and incredibly beneficial! The healthier you are during pregnancy, the healthier your baby will be!

As an acupuncturist, I encourage a "whole food" organic diet, and offer advice for the different stages of pregnancy. My goal is to ensure that you and your baby are well-nourished, both physically and emotionally.  ~Brittany Schram, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac.