Traditional East Asian Medicine has a long history of supporting the health of patients during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. In modern times, research studies have confirmed that acupuncture is safe in pregnancy.
In my practice, I support patients through all trimesters of pregnancy and into postpartum, which is known as the fourth trimester. Here are some common concerns that we can address with acupuncture:
First trimester:
- Nausea with or without vomiting. Read more about acupuncture for morning sickness.
- Fatigue
- Headaches and Migraine
- Mind-body support for patients with recurrent miscarriage
- Anxiety
- (plus any of the following conditions)
Second Trimester:
- All of the above conditions, plus:
- Immune support for colds and flu
- Digestive support- constipation, acid reflux, heartburn, hemorrhoids, etc.
- Mood support- depression, anxiety, stress
- Back pain, neck pain, and hip pain. Read more about acupuncture for back and hip pain.
- Groin and pelvic pain
- Carpal tunnel, and other pregnancy discomforts
- Allergies and nasal congestion
- Sleep support
Third Trimester:
- All of the above conditions, plus:
- Supporting the parent to optimize the baby’s position for breech and transverse positions
- Supporting the parent to prepare for medical induction
- Supporting the parent for C-section
- Supporting the parent for natural labor support. Read more about acupuncture for pre-labor.
Postpartum (Fourth Trimester):
- Healing and recovery after birth, including healing after C-section. Read more.
- Lactation support
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Back, neck, pelvic and arm pain (and other types of muscle-skeletal pains)
- Prolapse
- Immune support
- Headaches and Migraine
- Mood support- mood swings, anxiety, depression, stress and overwhelm
- Sleep support
- Digestive support- hemorrhoids, constipation, etc.
- Hormonal fluctuations and menses returning
Studies on Acupuncture safety in pregnancy:
2019. Moon HY and MR Kim et al. Safety of acupuncture during pregnancy: A retrospective cohort study in Korea. BJOG (British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology). The study analyzed 20,799 pregnant women.
2014. Park Jimin and Sohn Youngjoo et al. The safety of acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review. Acupuncture in Medicine. The study analyzed 105 studies.