New Mom in “Gotta Go” Situation Finds Welcome Relief with Acupuncture
When a woman is involved in a lengthy, natural labor, it is quite common that she will have difficulty urinating for some time afterwards. In deliveries where an epidural is administered to ease pain, problems with urination are even more likely to develop.
The most common medical way to handle this difficulty is to insert a catheter through the urethra to facilitate urination. Sometimes drugs are used as well. For women who prefer no drugs and no catheter tube, Acupuncture has been known to provide relief.
Mrs. Lin is a 29-year-old who vaginally delivered a normal child after a lengthy labor. Five hours after, she was still unable to urinate voluntarily and by now was in quite an uncomfortable condition. Drugs were tried but did nothing to ease her condition, she refused a catheter. When Acupuncture was suggested as a final alternative she was quite willing.
The Acupuncturist performed an abdominal technique that involved forcibly thrusting when slowly and gently lifting the needle. Clockwise twisting motions were also applied. The target of treatment was a nerve that had contracted the muscles affecting urination.
About 20 minutes after the Acupuncturist completed treatment, Mrs. Lin’s condition was finally relieved when about one full quart of liquid spontaneously released. Needless to say, she felt much better. A six month check-up showed no signs of any relapse of the condition.
Women heading for a natural childbirth would be well advised to know that such an uncomfortable situation can and does occur. If the mom-to-be is opposed to drugs or a catheter, she should know that an alternative treatment does exist. Acupuncture can provide welcome relief.
It’s a possibility that should be discussed with the delivering doctor long before entering a hospital to give birth.