Pregnancy Anxiety

How To Treat Anxiety During Pregnancy Naturally

Find balance and peace in your pregnancy and motherhood journey.

Anxiety and Pregnancy

Experiencing anxiety during pregnancy is very common, affecting first-time mothers and those that have gone through pregnancies previously. All of us feel anxious occasionally, but the multitude of physical, emotional, and environmental changes that accompany pregnancy practically make it unavoidable. Whether mild or disruptive, it’s important to address anxiety to keep you and your baby healthy. We’re here to help you find relief so you can find peace in your pregnancy and motherhood journey.

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Our Holistic Approach to Treating Anxiety During Pregnancy

Thoughts and questions about your baby’s health, your changing body, giving birth, and everything that comes after are all reasons why you might experience pregnancy anxiety. It can be mild or could become all-consuming, negatively affecting different areas of your life. Our holistic approach to anxiety and pregnancy works to reduce anxiety by restoring internal balance. We are here to listen to you and find the best way to improve your overall health.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety During Pregnancy

Taking anxiety medication during pregnancy can be helpful but also comes with risks. Luckily, there are many natural remedies for treating anxiety that can wonderfully improve mental health. Including Chinese medicine in your treatment plan will help you find an internal peace that improves your pregnancy and prepares you for everything after.

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Acupuncture

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Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture for Anxiety During Pregnancy

Acupuncture works to release tension and allow for a sense of tranquility to radiate throughout the body. Treatments calm the spirit by steading the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing the negative effects of stressful situations on the body. You’ll feel less stress and anxiety, while also gaining a greater awareness for stress triggers and building resilience when faced with those emotions. This can help you feel more focused, calm, and lead to better sleep. 

During treatment, patients can expect to have acupuncture needles placed on the head, chest, wrists, legs, feet, and ears. Results can vary based on a number of factors. However, patients may begin to experience results within 3-4 treatments and sustained results after 3 months of weekly treatments. 

Herbal Remedies for Anxiety During Pregnancy

Chinese herbs are sometimes used to treat anxiety during pregnancy. This customized medicine works to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety levels by balancing qi. Patients may also experience better and more restorative sleep. 

We’ll most likely first recommend acupuncture for treating anxiety during pregnancy. If Chinese herbs are deemed appropriate, it’s recommended that Chinese herbal medicine be combined with acupuncture treatments to maximize both therapies’ effectiveness. Those that take this approach typically experience increased improvement of their symptoms, quicker results, and more sustained results.

Helping You Be at Peace

CL

…extremely happy with the results

I started visiting Transformational Acupuncture in the first trimester of my pregnancy due to constant nausea and migraines and have been extremely happy with the results. It's the only intervention that helped alleviate the symptoms. I really enjoy seeing Jamee, he's knowledgeable, competent, and has a calming demeanor that I appreciated on days I wasn't feeling great. The location just a few steps from the Dupont Circle metro is convenient.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pregnancy Hormones Cause Anxiety?

Yes, changes in hormones can cause anxiety. It’s common in the first trimester, when hormone changes start, to feel anxiety. 

Is Anxiety a Symptom of Pregnancy?

Anxiety is common during pregnancy, especially if there is a history of anxiety, a history of miscarriage, or if the pregnancy is high risk. While mild anxiety is common and does not have long-term effects, severe anxiety can disrupt daily life and even negatively impact the health of you and your baby. Tell your doctor if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. 

Is Anxiety Common During Pregnancy?

Yes, pregnancy anxiety is very common. Anxiety can affect any mother, in any situation. It’s normal to have some anxiety about your health, the baby’s health, and all the changes that come with pregnancy and parenting.  

What Causes Anxiety During Pregnancy?

The cause of anxiety during pregnancy is not fully understood. Anxiety could be a result of an underlying health issue or it may be hereditary. Also, the emotional, physical, and life changes that occur during pregnancy can cause anxiety in anyone.  

How Can Stress and Anxiety Affect Your Pregnancy?

Mild stress and/or anxiety during pregnancy is normal and not a cause for alarm. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming, affecting concentration, basic functioning, and causing extreme panic, the health of you and your baby can be negatively impacted. High levels of anxiety have been shown to increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, earlier gestational age, and smaller head circumference. 

Can Anxiety During Pregnancy Harm the Baby?

Extreme anxiety can harm the health of the baby. High levels of anxiety have been shown to increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, earlier gestational age, and smaller head circumference. 

What Can You Take for Anxiety in Pregnancy?

Taking anxiety medication during pregnancy comes with risks. Treating anxiety naturally can be just as effective as medication and involve almost no risk. A few natural ways to treat anxiety include acupuncture, therapy, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising, finding ways to relax, learning more about pregnancy and parenting, and asking for help from others. 

What Anxiety Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy?

All medications come with risks. Talk to your doctor about medications and the possible risks so you can make the best decision for you and your baby. 

Can Acupuncture Help Relieve Anxiety During Pregnancy?

Yes, acupuncture can help relieve anxiety and anxiety related symptoms during pregnancy. It’s a great way to improve circulation, balance hormones, improve sleep, and reduce stress levels.

What Herbs for Anxiety Are Safe During Pregnancy?

We have several herbs that we use for pregnancy anxiety relief and pregnancy support. We will recommend herbs only after a consultation.

What To Expect

You can expect to find a partner in your health journey.

At Transformational Acupuncture, we strive to provide a welcoming environment to each and every patient. We understand traditional healthcare can make some wary of seeking help, even if it’s for the betterment of their health. That’s why we take a holistic approach when treating each person. You will be listened to, treated with respect, and be seen as a true partner in your own health journey.

At the beginning of your treatment you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we’ll discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we’ll create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.

Your Patient Journey

At the beginning of your treatment, you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we will discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we will create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.

Learn more about your complete patient journey.

Get Started Today

Begin your holistic health journey by scheduling an appointment today. Schedule online or give us a call at (202) 297-7404.

To learn if your insurance covers acupuncture and other treatments, please fill out our short form to verify your benefits with us.

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