Acupuncture during pregnancy: how can it help?

Many of our patients come to taproot to get help getting pregnant. But did you know acupuncture can also accompany you all throughout your pregnancy?

Studies are clear: acupuncture is very safe during pregnancy, at all times. Moreover, it has been shown to help in a wide variety of concerns, from sciatica to nausea and stress, all the way to induction of labor.

• first trimester

• second trimester

• third trimester

• postpartum

1. Acupuncture for first trimester: weeks 1 – 12

The main events in the first trimester are the establishment of the new pregnancy, the implantation of the embryo, and the growth of the placenta.

First trimester support:

Our goals with acupuncture in this first trimester are to create a solid foundation for a healthy pregnancy, and we focus on supporting the mom by reducing the many symptoms that are possible in the first trimester.

Creating a solid foundation for a healthy pregnancy:

• Implantation (after IVF transfer or natural conception)

• Placenta growth

• Stabilize and hold the early pregnancy (especially with history of miscarriages)

Supporting mom & reduce symptoms:

• Morning sickness, nausea, vomiting

• Fatigue

• Anxiety, trauma & stress

2. Acupuncture for second trimester: weeks 12 – 28

The second trimester is referred to as the golden trimester. Moms typically feel much better than they did during the first twelve weeks.

Energy returns, nausea subsides, and the risk of a miscarriage is now minimal.

It is a great time to discuss healthy eating and review the best vitamins and supplements to be taking for pregnancy and motherhood.

In the second trimester, we continue to support mom, and keep her batteries charged up in preparation for third trimester and early motherhood (aka the fourth trimester).

Second trimester support

• Nutritional support

• Ongoing support of mom

• Back pain & Sciatica

3. Acupuncture for third trimester: weeks 28 – 40

As the baby gets bigger, the risk of potential side effects also increase. There may be more uterine contractions, either Braxton-Hicks or preterm labor. Acupuncture can effectively address all of these concerns, in conjunction with conventional health care approaches.

Third trimester support:

• Swelling & Edema

• Hypertension

• Gestational diabetes

• Back pain, Knee pain, Sciatica

• Insomnia

• Heartburn

• Fatigue

• Braxton-hicks contractions

• Acupuncture to prepare for labor

• Acupuncture to induce labor

• Moxibustion to turn a breech baby

4. Acupuncture for Post-partum, aka the 4th trimester

Once mom has given birth, the demands on her increase even more. New moms do best with a lot of support. This can be the most exciting trimester – the baby is here! – and also the most challenging.

Read our article about the tradition of sitting the month to recover after birth. Growing a baby and giving birth is draining. Moms need to be nourished and replenished. They may be exhausted from a combination of sleep deprivation and physical discomfort.

Post-partum support:

• Nourishing mom after labor and delivery

• C-section recovery

• Fatigue, sleep deprivation & low energy

• Breast feeding and milk production

• Pains from holding a baby – back, neck, arms, wrists, and hands

• Postpartum anemia, thyroid issues

• Postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety

No matter where you are in your pregnancy and mothering journey,

if you need support, we can help.

In addition to our own team of fertility & women's health acupuncturists, we are well-connected within the Pasadena area community to help you find the right

integrative and holistic care for you.

On our website, you can learn more about our services, and book an appointment.

If you have more questions please call our front desk, at 626-841-2991, or email us.