Acupuncture for Pregnancy
Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to maintain good health and wellbeing throughout your pregnancy, from your first trimester to postpartum. At Life Point Acupuncture Newport Beach, our skilled practitioners use thin, hair-like needles to help relieve many of the pain, aches, and discomforts of pregnancy. Our treatment plans complement the medical care you receive from your OB to help avoid complications and achieve a healthy, comfortable pregnancy.
Interested in a treatment?
Give us a call at (949) 387-8715 or schedule an appointment today.
Acupuncture Pregnancy Treatments
We offer acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, herbal remedies, and holistic support for women as they prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Because we see many patients for fertility and IVF treatments, we are often fortunate enough to hear, “I’m pregnant! Can I still get acupuncture when I’m pregnant?”
The answer is yes, and for many women, acupuncture can be a godsend when it comes to relieving the many ailments and discomforts that happen during pregnancy. Acupuncture treatments—especially in the first trimester—can also stabilize and assist embryo development.
First Trimester
The first trimester is a crucial stage of pregnancy. Women in their first trimester may experience a myriad of different symptoms. Acupuncture treatments during the first trimester help relieve nausea, lower back pain, and pelvic discomfort, among other issues. Morning sickness is especially troublesome for many mothers-to-be during their first trimester. Fortunately for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness symptoms, medical studies show that acupuncture is an effective treatment.
A 2000 study on vomiting in early pregnancy found that acupuncture “is an effective treatment for women who experience nausea and dry retching in early pregnancy.” Another study on nausea found that acupuncture in conjunction with conventional treatment could reduce nausea and vomiting.
Other effective treatments during the first trimester include:
Fatigue
Stress
Anxiety
Digestive issues
In addition to relieving symptoms, acupuncture can play an important role in holding and stabilizing the fetus in the early stages of pregnancy.
“From a back ache, to infertility, to migraines and morning sickness, Lauren at Life Point helped me through it all! ”
Second Trimester
When women reach week 14 of their pregnancy, some report feeling renewed energy they did not feel during their first trimester. The nausea you may have felt early on is usually gone, and your baby has not quite reached a size to make you uncomfortable. For the not so lucky who are feeling discomfort, acupuncture can help with the aches, pains, constipation, leg cramps, and swelling that affect a lot of pregnant women during this time.
Acupuncture in second trimester can help regulate the digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems, which are all vital to maintaining wellbeing and carrying your baby full term.
Second trimester acupuncture is also useful in treating:
Sciatica
Pelvic pain
Back pain
Rib pain
Varicose veins
Headaches
Heartburn
UTI
High blood pressure
Insomnia
Third Trimester
As moms-to-be enter the home stretch of their pregnancy, different symptoms begin to show. Third trimester acupuncture treatments are designed to help regulate the musculoskeletal system as baby grows and mom’s body continues to change. We treat the endocrine system to address high blood pressure, edema, and other symptoms.
Other treatments during the third trimester include:
Pelvic pain
Back pain
Sleeplessness
Headaches
Breech presentation
Labor preparation
As you prepare for your delivery date, acupuncture treatments can help encourage proper positioning of your baby for birth. Acupuncture can also help normalize and optimize labor, as well as prepare your body for a healthy delivery.
Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnant women have received acupuncture treatments for centuries. Acupuncture is not only safe, it is effective at preventing many of pregnancy’s discomforts and ailments. In this 2019 study examining acupuncture safety during pregnancy, the authors noted the following:
“…acupuncture therapy may be a safe therapeutic modality for relieving discomfort without an adverse delivery outcome.”
Another 2014 review concluded:
Acupuncture during pregnancy appears to be associated with few AEs (adverse events) when correctly applied.”
The experienced practitioners at Life Point Acupuncture in Orange County know which points to target to achieve the best possible results for each patient, while avoiding the points that are contraindicated.
Life Point Newport Beach | Pregnancy Acupuncture Treatments
At Life Point Acupuncture in Orange County, our experienced practitioners tailor each treatment to meet your individual needs. While acupuncture is a big part of what we do, we also employ massage, gua sha, and moxibustion techniques to enhance results for our pregnant patients.
Is Life Point Acupuncture Near Me?
If you live in North Orange County, Life Point Acupuncture is likely a 10-20 minute drive. Our clinic is located at 1601 Dove St #187, Newport Beach, CA 92660. If you have questions about booking an appointment, please contact us or call (949) 387-8715 or schedule an appointment below.