Acupuncture for Pregnancy

What is the role of acupuncture in pregnancy care?

Modern research shows acupuncture helps treat common pregnancy discomforts without harming mom or baby. Fine sterile needles gently placed at specific points on the body access its natural healing systems. This stimulates circulation, reduces inflammation, balances hormones, and activates the relaxation response. 

Multiple studies confirm acupuncture’s ability to safely relieve many pregnancy issues. Women receiving acupuncture report less nausea, improved sleep, reduced anxiety and depression, and an overall enhanced sense of well-being. This empowers mothers-to-be to embrace their journey with more comfort and calm.

How does acupuncture help?

Here’s an overview of key ways licensed acupuncturists can help relieve common pregnancy troubles:

Nausea, Vomiting and Digestive Upset
Up to 80% of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, typically worst from weeks 6-12. Acupuncture significantly reduces nausea and vomiting while soothing digestive upset. Needles placed near the inside wrist and ankle access points connected to the stomach/digestive organs. This helps calm nausea and rebalance digestion.

Lower Back Pain and Sciatic Discomfort
As pregnancy weight gain shifts your center of gravity forward, backache often results. Acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory effects can reduce back pain and sciatic nerve irritation without medication. Needles gently placed along the low back, sacrum, hips and down the legs realign the pelvis, relax tight muscles and ligaments, boost circulation, and ease strain on the spine – bringing relief.

Swelling in Hands and Feet
Edema, or swelling in the extremities, impacts up to 80% of pregnant women by the third trimester. Special acupuncture points on the lower legs and ankles help stimulate drainage pathways and reduce fluid retention. As circulation improves, swelling diminishes.

Headaches and Migraines
Many pregnant women suffer more frequent headaches and migraines as shifting estrogen and increased blood volume impact nerves and blood vessels. Targeted acupuncture therapy interrupts pain signals, releases natural pain-relieving endorphins, and improves cerebral blood flow. This offers safe, effective relief without medications.

Fatigue and Insomnia
Exhaustion and sleep loss plague many expecting mothers. Acupuncture helps regulate hormones like cortisol and melatonin that govern sleep/wake cycles and energy levels. Combined with good sleep hygiene, acupuncture restores restorative rest and boosts daytime energy.

Mood Changes, Anxiety and Depression
Pregnancy’s emotional rollercoaster brings mood swings, heightened anxiety and worry. For some, depression results. Acupuncture activates natural calming neurotransmitters in the brain to gently stabilize emotions. As mood lifts and outlook improves, pregnancy can be embraced with more optimism.

Preparing for Labor and Delivery
Pre-birth acupuncture starts around 36 weeks, aiming to ready the body for labor and birth. Sessions promote ripening of the cervix, optimal fetal positioning, and uterine calm. Along with perineal massage, this protocol may shorten early labor while reducing interventions.

What is your approach to acupuncture for pregnant moms?

At Newport Wellness Group, our licensed acupuncturists Dr. Shohre Mehvar, OMD, LAc and Dr. Shabnam Pourhassani, DACM, LAc, QME, FABORM conduct thorough health assessments to develop customized treatment plans addressing each patient’s unique needs and pregnancy stage.

We carefully select acupuncture points suited to your situation, gently placing sterile disposable needles to stimulate circulation, balance energy flow, and activate the body’s natural healing abilities. Pregnancy acupuncture is deeply relaxing, with most patients resting comfortably during 20-30 minute treatment sessions. 

Guidance is provided on complementary wellness approaches like nutrition, massage, restorative yoga, and stress reduction – empowering you to take an active role in feeling your best during pregnancy.

With consistent acupuncture combined with healthy lifestyle adjustments, many women report greater energy, emotional resilience, reduced discomforts and positive shifts in their pregnancy experience. Our goal is helping mothers like you embrace this profound passage with a sense of calm, comfort and joy.

Pregnancy is both a miraculous privilege and a challenging journey. Simple pleasures become complicated. Minor frustrations feel amplified. As your body changes shape and life turns topsy-turvy, discomforts can accumulate that distract from pregnancy’s magic.

Yet you don’t have to suffer through the next nine months. Help is available. At Newport Wellness Group, our licensed acupuncturists provide compassionate care to support expectant mothers on their journey. Our drug-free treatments offer safe, soothing relief from common pregnancy troubles, nurture inner calm, and help you feel cared for.

Contact us today to see how our personalized pregnancy acupuncture protocols can help you manage symptoms, reduce anxiety, and recapture the joy of expectancy. Discover why women choose acupuncture during pregnancy to ease their passage while welcoming new life into the world with more comfort, hope and celebration.

The information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prospective patients must have consultations with one of the acupuncturists who will deem if acupuncture is recommended.