Acupuncture During Pregnancy Is Safe for Many

Pregnancy can be a beautiful experience but let’s be real, it can also be physically and emotionally overwhelming. From nausea and heartburn to sleepless nights and aching joints, the symptoms can feel endless. And since many medications aren’t safe during pregnancy, it’s no surprise more expecting parents are turning to acupuncture for relief.

Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture involves inserting ultra-thin needles into specific points on the body to restore balance and support healing. While that might sound like a hard “no” if you’re expecting, experts agree acupuncture during pregnancy is generally safe and for many people, it works.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Yes, as long as it’s administered by a licensed and trained professional, acupuncture is considered safe throughout all three trimesters. “Studies consistently show that when correctly administered by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is safe during pregnancy,” says licensed acupuncturist Susan Wallmeyer, LAc, MSTOM. A 2022 BMJ Open meta-analysis of over 1,000 pregnant individuals confirmed no increased risk of adverse outcomes for babies.

While side effects like light bleeding or bruising at the needle site can happen, more serious reactions are rare. That said, always consult your OB or midwife first especially if your pregnancy is considered high-risk.

People with the following should avoid acupuncture during pregnancy:

• Placenta previa

• Cervical insufficiency

• Preterm labor or rupture of membranes

• Active complications requiring pelvic rest

What are the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy?

1. Relief from nausea and vomiting

Morning sickness isn’t just a morning thing and it can seriously affect your quality of life. Acupuncture may reduce both the frequency and severity of nausea. A 2023 study in Annals of Internal Medicine found it’s especially effective when paired with vitamin B6.

2. Better sleep

If pregnancy insomnia is keeping you up at night, acupuncture might help your mind and body relax. A 2020 study in Nature and Science of Sleep showed significant improvements in sleep quality among pregnant individuals who received acupuncture treatments.

3. Reduced anxiety and depression

Hormonal shifts, body changes, and the emotional weight of growing a human can all take a toll on your mental health. Acupuncture may stimulate endorphin release and regulate stress hormones, which can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s best used as a complementary therapy, not a replacement for mental health support.

4. Pain relief (back, hips, pelvis)

Lower back and pelvic pain are common in the second and third trimesters. Acupuncture often paired with cupping or acupressure can help reduce tension and improve blood flow, easing pain and discomfort without medication.

5. Headache relief

Whether caused by hormones, dehydration, or poor sleep, headaches during pregnancy are a major nuisance. Acupuncture may deactivate pain centers in the brain and stimulate your body’s natural painkillers. Just be sure to talk to your doctor first to rule out serious conditions like preeclampsia.

6. Potential help with high blood pressure

While more research is needed, preliminary studies show that acupuncture may help manage blood pressure in pregnancy. One case study noted improvement in symptoms for a patient with preeclampsia receiving acupuncture alongside medical care.

7. Heartburn and digestive issues

Acupuncture may help ease heartburn by supporting digestion and regulating energy flow (or “qi”) through the stomach. Your practitioner can also offer at-home acupressure points to provide mild, drug-free relief.

8. Sinus congestion (rhinitis)

Pregnancy rhinitis affects up to 20% of expectant mothers. Regular acupuncture sessions may relieve congestion by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.

9. Postpartum recovery

Even after baby arrives, acupuncture can continue to help with C-section scar healing, lactation issues, postpartum depression, fatigue, and more.

Can acupuncture induce labor?

Not directly. “There’s no evidence that acupuncture can initiate labor,” says OB/GYN Staci Tanouye, MD. However, treatments after 39 weeks may help ripen the cervix and prepare your body, potentially easing the labor process. Wallmeyer suggests starting sessions around week 36 or 37 to help your body gear up gradually.

In cases where your baby is in breech position, moxibustion a warming technique using mugwort is sometimes used between weeks 33 and 35 to encourage turning.

What about the “forbidden” acupuncture points?

Certain pressure points (like those on the little toe, inner ankle, or between the thumb and forefinger) have historically been avoided during pregnancy due to concern they could stimulate early labor. But current research doesn’t support that these points actually trigger labor or harm the baby. Still, most acupuncturists avoid them until full term out of caution.

What to expect during a session

You’ll be positioned on your side or in a reclined position not flat on your back, especially in later pregnancy, to avoid reducing blood flow to the uterus. Sessions typically last 30–60 minutes, and your acupuncturist may include other techniques like cupping or give you simple pressure-point “homework” to do between visits.

How to find a qualified practitioner

Look for a licensed acupuncturist with additional training in perinatal or prenatal care. Two trusted directories:

• Obstetrical Acupuncture Association

• MAMPS (Maternity Acupuncture Mentorship and Peer Support)

You can also ask your OB/midwife for a referral.

Final thoughts

Acupuncture won’t solve every pregnancy symptom, but it can offer a safe, holistic way to manage discomfort and support your physical and emotional well-being especially when used alongside your provider’s medical guidance.

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