Pregnancy acupuncture involves the use of acupuncture techniques tailored specifically to support women during pregnancy. It aims to address common pregnancy-related symptoms, promote relaxation, and support the body as it adapts to the changes of pregnancy. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), pregnancy acupuncture is believed to balance Qi (vital energy) and maintain harmony in the body, ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
How Can Pregnancy Acupuncture Help You (based on research studies)?
Research has shown that acupuncture can provide a range of benefits during pregnancy, often by reducing discomfort, improving physical and emotional well-being, and addressing specific pregnancy-related conditions. Here are the key benefits supported by evidence:
Benefit: Acupuncture is widely used to alleviate morning sickness, particularly in the first trimester.
Evidence: A 2016 Cochrane review found that acupuncture and acupressure effectively reduce the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Mechanism: Stimulation of acupoints like PC6 (Neiguan) modulates the nervous system, reducing nausea signals to the brain.
Benefit: Acupuncture is effective for managing musculoskeletal pain, including lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and sciatica, which are common during pregnancy.
Evidence: A 2020 meta-analysis reported significant reductions in pain intensity for pregnant women who received acupuncture, with improved mobility and quality of life.
Mechanism: It works by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and releasing endorphins (natural painkillers).
Benefit: Acupuncture can help pregnant women manage stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Evidence: Studies show that acupuncture reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels and promotes relaxation by regulating the autonomic nervous system.
Benefit: Moxibustion, a heat-based form of acupuncture, is used to encourage breech babies to turn into the optimal head-down position.
Evidence: A 2017 Cochrane review found that moxibustion at acupoint BL67 (Zhiyin) increased the likelihood of breech babies turning to a head-down position, particularly when applied before 34 weeks of pregnancy.
Mechanism: Stimulates uterine activity and foetal movement through nervous system regulation.
Benefit: Acupuncture may be used to prepare the body for labour and help induce it naturally when pregnancy goes beyond term.
Evidence: A 2013 systematic review indicated that acupuncture might promote cervical ripening and increase the likelihood of spontaneous labour, reducing the need for medical interventions.
Mechanism: Acupoints like SP6 (Sanyinjiao) and LI4 (Hegu) are thought to stimulate uterine contractions and improve blood flow to the pelvis.
Benefit: Acupuncture reduces swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles and relieves nerve-related symptoms like numbness and tingling.
Evidence: Studies report that acupuncture improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can help reduce fluid retention and inflammation.
Benefit: Acupuncture is an effective treatment for mild to moderate prenatal depression.
Evidence: A randomized controlled trial (2010) published in Obstetrics & Gynaecology showed that acupuncture designed specifically for depression significantly reduced symptoms in pregnant women compared to control treatments.
Mechanism: Acupuncture affects neurotransmitter systems, promoting serotonin and dopamine release.
Benefit: Acupuncture can help alleviate digestive discomforts such as acid reflux and bloating.
Mechanism: Stimulating acupoints associated with digestion enhances gastrointestinal motility and regulates acid production.
Safety of Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Acupuncture is considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a qualified practitioner.
Pregnancy acupuncture offers a natural, low-risk way to manage common pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea, pain, stress, and insomnia. It can also support labour preparation, fetal positioning, and overall well-being.
Once pregnancy is achieved, it is highly recommended to continue weekly acupuncture sessions throughout the first trimester to help secure the pregnancy and support a smooth transition into this new phase. The first 12 weeks are the most delicate, as the body undergoes significant hormonal shifts, and acupuncture can play a vital role in stabilizing hormone levels, improving blood flow to the uterus, and reducing the risk of miscarriage. Additionally, many women experience early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue, bloating, and anxiety, which acupuncture can help manage naturally. By maintaining regular treatments during this critical period, we can support both mother and baby, promoting a healthy and more comfortable pregnancy journey.
To prepare for a smooth and timely delivery, it is strongly advised to begin weekly acupuncture sessions from 36 weeks onward. This approach helps the body naturally transition into labour by softening the cervix, promoting optimal fetal positioning, and encouraging efficient uterine contractions. Studies and clinical experience suggest that acupuncture during the final weeks of pregnancy can significantly reduce the likelihood of going overdue and may help prevent medical induction. For babies in a breech position, specific acupuncture techniques, often combined with moxibustion, can encourage the baby to turn into the correct head-down position. Additionally, regular acupuncture in the final weeks of pregnancy has been shown to shorten labour time, often reducing it to around 3 to 5 hours instead of a prolonged and exhausting delivery. This is because acupuncture helps the body prepare in advance, ensuring that labour progresses more smoothly and efficiently when the time comes. By following this preparation plan, expectant mothers can experience a more natural, manageable, and less painful birthing process.
ADB Acupuncture Clinic aims to deliver amazing outcomes with our core services. In addition to giving you time to unwind, we offer therapeutic care that is results-driven. Our goal is to offer services that place a strong emphasis on an individual's overall wellness.
