Placenta Previa is a low-lying placenta that occurs in about 1 out of every 250 pregnancies. Instead of the placenta being on the top or sidewall of the uterus, it will be closer to the cervix partially covering it, and sometimes even covers the cervix completely. This can be the cause of bleeding and pain during pregnancy or can even pose a risk as the delivery date gets closer. The pathway to the cervix needs to be clear and open to ensure safe delivery or C-section may need to be performed.
It has been estimated that as many as 30% of placentas on ultrasound are positioned low at 20 weeks gestation. But, less than 1% require further monitoring by 32 weeks, with only a small proportion of these requiring any medical assistance. In essence a high percentage will shift automatically to a normal position as the pregnancy progresses.
But for those who are still plagued with this diagnosis after 28-30 weeks of pregnancy, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is a proven corrective option.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets Placenta Previa as ‘Sinking Qi’. Sinking Qi refers to energy prolapsing or dropping and can also include conditions such as: prolapse of the uterus, bowel or hernias, hemorrhoids, chronic fatigue and even depression may fall under this “Sinking Qi” category.
Acupuncture treatments would work on strengthening and ‘lifting’ the Spleen Qi as well as nourishing and moving stagnant blood. It is through strengthening the spleen, raising the energy and moving and guiding the blood that acupuncture is effective in resolving placenta previa.
A recent case study:
A 29 year old woman presented in my office at 31 weeks with complete placenta previa.
She was diagnosed at 13 weeks 2 days with vaginal bleeding and cramping symptoms. The placenta was anterior and was diagnosed as complete placenta previa.
At 19 weeks and again at 28 weeks she was still diagnosed with complete placenta previa.
At 31 weeks, patient reported to my office with a placenta previa diagnosis (complete cervical blockage). Over a three week period patient received acupuncture and moxibustion four times. She was also given an herbal formula two weeks into her treatment, which she took 3x per day. Three days before her next scheduled sonogram I gave her a stick/pole of moxa to do self-moxa treatment to the top of her head. Specifically the DU 20 point that has an energy lifting action.
At 34 weeks plus 4 days she again received a sonogram and two days later her doctor informed her that the placenta previa had completely resolved and her placenta was anterior and Grade II with no blockage.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and moxibustion are safe and effective throughout pregnancy and are fantastic in the treatment of many conditions that can occur during each trimester. Remember Acupuncture is safe and effective from fertility through pregnancy, labor and delivery and also for the treatment of postpartum conditions.
2/22/23
Byron Barth; L.A., MSTOM, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Zen Shiatsu Master and Founder of Peace of Zen Acupuncture and Co-Founder of B&G Empowered Self
#acupunctureworks #acupuncture #pregnancyjourney #placentaprevia #naturalhealing #moxabustion #acupuncture #placenta previa #pregnancy
I wanted to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it. Ive got you saved as a favorite to check out new things you postÖ
I need to to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you book-marked to check out new stuff you postÖ