Acupuncture has gained attention for its potential role in supporting healthy pregnancies, particularly through mechanisms that enhance nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator, meaning it helps widen blood vessels, and this is crucial for proper spiral artery remodeling.
In a healthy pregnancy, spiral arteries undergo significant remodeling to allow for increased blood flow to the placenta. When this remodeling is impaired, it can lead to complications like preeclampsia or even miscarriage. Research has shown that acupuncture can promote nitric oxide release, which helps in vasodilation and improves blood flow to the uterus and placenta.
A study published in Medical Acupuncture in 2019 highlighted how acupuncture can help reduce blood pressure and improve uterine blood flow, potentially supporting ongoing pregnancy. Another study in
Acupuncture in Medicine from 2016 found that acupuncture could lower uterine artery resistance, enhancing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which can be beneficial for women trying to conceive or maintain a healthy pregnancy.
While more research is still needed to fully understand these mechanisms, the existing studies suggest that acupuncture can be a supportive tool in promoting a healthy pregnancy by enhancing uterine blood flow through nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation.
