Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it can come with its fair share of discomforts. From morning sickness and fatigue to back pain and stress, growing a tiny human is no small task! That’s where prenatal acupuncture comes in. This ancient practice has been used for centuries to support expecting parents, offering a natural way to ease symptoms and promote overall well-being.

But how does it work? Is it safe? And can a few tiny needles really make a difference? As an Edmonton acupuncture clinic specializing in women’s health and fertility acupuncture, we know how effective prenatal acupuncture can be. Keep reading to find out all about it!

What Is Prenatal Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that uses thin, sterile needles to activate the acupoints throughout your body. These acupoints help stimulate and regulate your nervous system and hormones while helping to promote muscle relaxation and overall calm. 

Prenatal acupuncture in particular can help target a variety of symptoms like nausea, fatigue, back pain, headaches, stress, and anxiety.  It’s not only for inducing labor in the third trimester! But as you prepare for delivery, acupuncture can also be a beneficial tool in preparing your body and easing your body into the correct position for birthing. 

Common Pregnancy Symptoms Prenatal Acupuncture Can Address

Overall, prenatal acupuncture helps you feel better both physically and mentally. Here are some of the ways that it can help reduce common pregnancy symptoms: 

• Headaches – Acupuncture helps balance hormones and relieve muscle tension that may be causing your pregnancy headaches. 

• Fatigue – Acupuncture helps increase your blood flow and circulation, which helps increase your energy levels in combination with more regulated hormones. 

• Back pain – Acupuncture helps relieve tension and inflammation that may be caused by the strain on your back and joints while you’re pregnant. 

• Morning sickness and nausea – Acupuncture taps into your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating digestion and calming a nauseous or overactive stomach. 

• Insomnia – Through regulating your hormones and promoting physical relaxation, acupuncture can help you fall asleep faster and find more restful sleep while you’re pregnant. 

• Stress and anxiety – Pregnancy can be overwhelming and acupuncture is a great way to release emotions you might be bottling up and find more calm.

How Prenatal Acupuncture Supports Each Trimester

If you’re wondering when to get prenatal acupuncture, the truth is that it can benefit your pregnancy throughout each trimester. At Monica Patt Acupuncture, we can work with you to develop a treatment plan that makes sense for your schedule, symptoms, and more. 

We’ve talked about the ways prenatal acupuncture can help already but here’s what it looks like during each of your trimesters.

First Trimester

During your early pregnancy, acupuncture helps to ease morning sickness, increase blood flow for successful implantation and viability, and regulates mood swings and fatigue. 

Second Trimester

Then, during the second trimester, many women experience greater back pain and muscle tension as their bodies adjust to carrying the baby. You may also experience other symptoms like headaches, insomnia, and digestive issues. Acupuncture remedies these symptoms through muscle relaxation and regulating both your nervous and endocrine systems. 

Third Trimester

Lastly, as you’re preparing for labor and delivery, acupuncture can be a powerful tool in your third trimester. It helps reduce any swelling and fluid retention in your body, encourages your baby to move into the proper birthing position, and can even naturally encourage labor when it’s time. 

Benefits of Prenatal Acupuncture Beyond Symptom Relief

Beyond relieving your pregnancy symptoms, acupuncture can also provide lasting benefits: 

• Postpartum recovery: After you give birth, acupuncture can help support your body’s healing process, balance your hormones, and encourage milk production for breastfeeding parents.

• Strengthening your immune system: After birth, it’s important for you and your baby to stay healthy. Acupuncture helps improve your immune system to help prevent colds and other illnesses. 

• Enhancing your overall relaxation and wellbeing: Birth is an amazing milestone, but it comes with a ton of change. Acupuncture helps you find some relaxation and peace for yourself as you adjust to becoming a new parent. 

What to Expect During a Prenatal Acupuncture Session

During a prenatal acupuncture session, you can expect a calm and supportive experience designed to promote your well-being. If you’re feeling nervous, rest assured that we will guide you through each step to ensure your comfort. When you book an appoint, we begin with an initial consultation, where your acupuncturist will discuss your health history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. From there, we will help you create a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs.

Then, once your consultation is complete, you’ll be set up in a comfortable position on the massage table. Depending on what feels best for you, you may be lying on your back, side, semi-reclined, or even seated. Your acupuncturist will then carefully place thin, hair-like needles at specific acupoints on your body. These needles are incredibly fine and not inserted deeply, so most patients experience little to no discomfort during this process.

After the needles are in place, you’ll have time to rest and relax while they work to support your body’s natural balance. This quiet period allows you to unwind and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture. Once the session is complete, your acupuncturist will gently remove the needles and check in on how you’re feeling. They will also discuss any aftercare recommendations to maximize the benefits of your treatment.

Your journey with prenatal acupuncture doesn’t end after one session. After your first appointment, your acupuncturist will continue to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. With ongoing care, prenatal acupuncture can be a valuable tool in supporting your pregnancy and overall health.

Real-Life Success Stories or Testimonials

We’re proud to have helped so many families on their pregnancy journey! Take it from our patients to hear about what the experience is like: 

“Monica and team are incredible acupuncturists and such kind and caring individuals. I have personally been seeing them since June 2018 for fertility and pregnancy. We are expecting our little boy to arrive very soon and cannot thank them enough for helping us through this journey. Monica is very personable and has a contagious laugh, it’s literally impossible to feel awkward around her. They are very passionate about what they do which is shown in their professionalism.”

Want to learn more? We’d love to welcome you in our Edmonton acupuncture clinic! If you’re ready to get started with prenatal acupuncture, schedule your free consultation today!