Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Acupuncture is a gentle, non-pharmaceutical therapy that supports the changing needs of pregnancy. Through nervous system regulation, improved circulation, hormonal balance, and reduced inflammation, acupuncture helps ease common symptoms and supports overall maternal well-being.
Below is a trimester-specific overview of how acupuncture supports the body during pregnancy.
First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)
Stabilization · Hormonal Shifts · Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Acupuncture may support:
Nausea & vomiting
Fatigue and low energy
Anxiety and emotional overwhelm
Headaches and tension
Breast tenderness & musculoskeletal discomfort
Early pregnancy nervous system regulation
Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27)
Circulation · Growth · Improving Comfort
Acupuncture may support:
Round ligament pain
Back, hip & pelvic discomfort
Sinus congestion
Heartburn & digestive changes
Sleep regulation
Stress and mood balance
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–Birth)
Preparation · Pelvic Alignment · Labor Readiness
Acupuncture may support:
Low back pain, sciatica & pelvic girdle pain
Swelling in feet and ankles
Digestive slowness & constipation
Rib tension & shortness of breath
Sleep disruption
Emotional grounding during birth preparation
Summary
Acupuncture is a supportive therapy throughout pregnancy, helping regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, relieve common symptoms, and support comfort during each trimester.
References
Anderson, B., & Rosenthal, L. (2019). Acupuncture for pregnancy-related symptoms: A systematic review. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(4), 381–395.
da Silva, J. B., et al. (2021). Effectiveness of acupuncture on nausea, vomiting, and hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnancy: A systematic review. Explore, 17(3), 246–255.
Ee, C. C., et al. (2020). Acupuncture for pelvic and low-back pain during pregnancy: A systematic review. Pain Medicine, 21(1), 174–188.
Hall, H., et al. (2016). The effectiveness of acupuncture in treating pregnancy-related pelvic and low back pain: A systematic review. Pain Research and Management, 2016, 1–12.
Kvorning, N., et al. (2004). Acupuncture relieves pelvic and low-back pain in late pregnancy. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 83(3), 246–250.
Smith, C. A., et al. (2018). Acupuncture to treat common prenatal symptoms: An updated review. Birth, 45(4), 387–394.
Wang, S. M., Dezinno, P., & Lin, E. C. (2009). Auricular and body acupuncture reduce anxiety before and during embryo transfer: A randomized controlled trial. Fertility & Sterility, 91(3), 755–761.
(Useful for pregnancy-related anxiety and nervous system regulation.)
Wu, J., & Nye, J. (2021). Acupuncture and acupressure in pregnancy: Safety, mechanisms, and clinical effectiveness. Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics, 48(1), 179–197.