Pulling Down the Moon

Acupuncture During Pregnancy

October 3, 2019

As an acupuncturist working in the fertility field, I am frequently asked if Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy. I am here to answer that question! Acupuncture is a completely safe and effective treatment for minor to moderate pregnancy symptoms. It is important to know that there are many medications that are considered unsafe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. That is why many patients turn to acupuncture (as I did during my own pregnancy) to treat even common symptoms unrelated to pregnancy to avoid taking medication unless it was deemed necessary. 


Here is a list of symptoms Acupuncture can treat during your pregnancy journey.


First trimester:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation and/or hemorrhoids
  • Fatigue
  • Urinary discomfort or chronic UTIs
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Carpal tunnel/arthritis
  • Threatened miscarriage


Second Trimester:

  • Lingering first trimester symptoms
  • Pain
  • Sinus congestion
  • Hypertension
  • Preeclampsia 
  • Emotional Imbalance


Third Trimester:

  • GERD/acid reflux/heartburn
  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Rib pain
  • Leg cramps
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Insomnia
  • General discomfort
  • Itching 
  • Sinus congestion
  • Anxiety
  • Preparing the body for labor


Postnatal:

  • Discharge
  • After pains
  • Perineal pain
  • Incision pain
  • Breast discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Insufficient Lactation
  • Mastitis
  • Baby blues/postnatal depression


While acupuncture can treat a variety of symptoms during your pregnancy there are still areas of the body that should not be needled while you are pregnant. This makes it very important that you choose an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility and/or pregnancy. Pregnancy is an amazing and exciting time in your life and you should make sure your body feels amazing too!! 


Book your appointment with Christina in Highland Park or Buffalo Grove!  Acupuncture support for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum care, and general wellness is available in Chicago seven days a week, too! Book an Initial Acupuncture Consultation with the $99 Wild Card and save $51 this season!


Specials are available with services from our partner CocoonCare AND Pulling Down the Moon! Check it out today!


References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31392990 – low back pain and pelvic pain

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30423471 – anxiety and depression pre/postnatal

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30261764 – treating nausea and vomiting

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31483927 – safety of acupuncture during pregnancy

Share on Social

Discuss With Us

Our Latest Resources

Tips for Spring Restoration

February 18, 2025
Spring arrives next month, and with it, more cold days (perhaps even snow)! But March also brings the promise of new life. We love this time of year. The ground starts to smell fresh and ripe. Small green buds begin to swell from the earth reaching up, up, up. Birds chatter in the trees. The sun stays in the sky a little longer each day. After a long, cold winter of hibernation, spring restores nature’s beauty. Spring inspires us to restore ourselves, too and these self-care techniques will lead you to restoration of mind, body and spirit. Hydrate. Drink a glass or two of water first thing in the morning. Keeping yourself hydrated helps boost your mood, improves brain power and protects you against disease. Make a gratitude list. Spending just a few minutes a day writing down what you are grateful for can dramatically shift your day. The more gratitude you have, the more open to abundance you become. Breathe. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice breathing. There are so many benefits! Among them, diaphragmatic breathing alleviates stress, reduces pain, strengthens internal muscles and moves blood to organs and tissues. If you’re not sure how to get started, try our Breathe & Restore Workshop or schedule an Soothe the Senses: Calm the Nervous System Fertility Enhancing Massage™ to receive some hands-on breath work coaching. Stretch. Five to 10 minutes of stretching in the morning increases energy levels, enhances circulation, reduces injury and centers your mind. Even better is a regular yoga practice. Get started by downloading the Fully Fertile App today to give you a jump start! Our next Signature Yoga for Fertility Series begins on Monday, February 24th to reduce anxiety and stress by 20% or more in just six weeks. Eliminate something from your diet that isn’t serving you. I nstead of overhauling your entire diet, start by taking out one food that doesn’t nourish your body. Replace it with a different item that supports your desire for restoration. Learn even more by working with scheduling a nutrition consult ! We look forward to seeing you virtually or in-person at one of our centers to help you get started. Many wishes for a beautiful spring!
A man is comforting a woman who is sitting on a couch.

Online Infertility Support Groups: Finding Your Community

January 27, 2025
Connect with others who understand your journey. Discover online infertility support groups to share experiences, gain advice, and find emotional sup

Take the Next Step Toward Parenthood

January 21, 2025
Discover Our New Testing Options to Support Your Fertility Journey
More Posts
Share by: