Acupuncture is widely recognised as beneficial in the later stages of pregnancy, particularly for birth preparation and labour induction. However, did you know that regular acupuncture sessions throughout each trimester is recommended to help manage symptoms and support a smooth, healthy pregnancy?
History of Acupuncture in Obstetrics
Acupuncture has a rich history in pregnancy care, from ancient practices in China to modern-day treatments used to support maternal health and ease discomforts.
First mentioned in the Ming Dynasty from 1368, Traditional Chinese Medicine literature, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture have played a role in Gynaecology and Obstetrics for thousands of years.
In modern history, growing evidence and clinical research have continued to increase awareness of the benefits of Acupuncture during pregnancy including the World Health Organisation Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of reports of controlled clinical trials in 2002 recognising Acupuncture to be an effective treatment for:
- Morning Sickness
- Induction of Labour
- Malposition of Fetus, correction of
- Sciatica
- Back Pain
And showing a therapeutic effect of Acupuncture but needing further evidence for:
- Labour Pain
This report facilitated ongoing research to evaluate the application in gynaecology and obstetrics which has continued to provide emerging evidence supporting the use of Acupuncture throughout Pregnancy and for Birth Preparation over the last two decades.
A Clinical Reality
In clinical reality, Acupuncture provides a low-risk intervention for pregnancy support as an option for drug-free relief for various signs and symptoms from Trimester One through to Trimester Three into Birth Preparation and Postpartum support.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, Acupuncture in Pregnancy supports Mother and Baby by nourishing Qi and Blood, supporting balance in the body for an optimal environment for the fetus to grow, calming the central nervous system and reducing inflammation.
It is important that Acupuncture in Pregnancy is administered by an AHPRA-registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner who is specifically trained in Women’s Health, Fertility, Pregnancy and Postpartum.
There are Acupuncture points that are contraindicated in Pregnancy and it is important that these are avoided not only by Acupuncturists but also Health Practitioners who practice Dry Needling. You can learn more about the difference here – What is the Difference between Acupuncture, Dry Needling and Acu-Needling?
Acupuncture treatment in each Trimester
As pregnancy progresses, symptoms can vary throughout each Trimester and Acupuncture offers support in managing these symptoms as a low-risk intervention option.
Trimester One
- Support Pregnancy
- Nausea & Morning Sickness
- Fatigue
- Central Nervous System support for Anxiety and Stress
Trimester Two & Three
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic Pain
- Pubic Symphysis pain
- Sciatica
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Heartburn & Reflux
- Anxiety & Stress
- Insomnia
- Oedema
- Sinusitis
- Pregnancy induced hypertension
- Breech position babies
- Optimal positioning
- Birth Preparation
- Labour Induction from full term
Timing of Acupuncture Treatment in Pregnancy
Since Acupuncture has a physiological effect, the dosage, including the timing and frequency of treatment impacts the effectiveness of symptom relief during pregnancy.
In Trimester One, we recommend at The Dao Health Acupuncture at a higher frequency of weekly treatments up to 12 – 14 weeks gestation or, until morning sickness symptoms reduce.
In Trimester Two and Three, monthly maintenance treatment is recommended up to 34 weeks. Maintenance appointments are increased if specific symptoms arise that need to be treated more frequently.
In Trimester Three, Birth Preparation treatments from 36 weeks – 37 weeks and continues weekly to full term. At The Dao Health, we recommend an initial Birth Consultation between 34 – 36 weeks to support Birth Preparation education and planning, discussing birth preferences and a one-on-one Acupressure tutorial with the patient and their birth partner. Treatment involves a specific set of points to help prepare a woman’s body for birth, ripen the cervix and support maternal mental health and central nervous system regulation. From full term, treatment increases to twice a week and induction Acupuncture points are added. No social inductions are offered at The Dao Health. You can learn more here about how Pre-Birth Acupuncture can support an efficient labour.
A multi-disciplinary approach
At The Dao Health, we encourage a multi-disciplinary approach with your care provider throughout pregnancy to support you with patient-centred care each step of the way from Preconception care to Postpartum.
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