An Acupuncturist’s Perspective on Navigating Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most powerful journeys we take as humans. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting many patients through each stage of this experience. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no two pregnancies are the same. Every body changes in its own way. Every mind processes the transformation differently. That’s why I don’t treat pregnancy symptoms - I treat people.
Acupuncture offers a gentle, effective way to support the body through pregnancy’s natural shifts. It's more than just a tool to relieve discomfort (though it’s wonderful for that, too!). It’s a system of care that sees your body as intelligent and interconnected. At Seed Acupuncture, I use individualized treatments to meet you where you are, week by week, trimester by trimester.
I’m also a proud member of the Obstetrics Acupuncture Association (OBAA), an organization dedicated to advancing safe, skilled, and evidence-based acupuncture care in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This means I’ve completed advanced training in perinatal acupuncture, and I stay current with the latest research, safety protocols, and clinical best practices for treating pregnant patients. You can feel confident knowing your care is grounded in both tradition and modern expertise.
A Walk Through the Trimesters
Grounding in the Unknown
Early pregnancy can be a whirlwind. Joy and anxiety often arrive hand-in-hand, while fatigue, nausea, and hormonal mood swings become daily companions. In TCM, the first trimester is about “securing the pregnancy,” aka establishing a strong foundation and supporting the body as it adapts to enormous change.
Many patients come to me looking for relief from morning sickness or exhaustion. What they often find is something more: a sense of calm, better sleep, and a place to exhale. By using acupuncture points that regulate digestion, calm the nervous system, and strengthen key organs like the Spleen and Kidney, we support both symptom relief and the deeper goal of nurturing early pregnancy from within.
Supporting Growth
As the second trimester unfolds, energy tends to lift and the pregnancy becomes more physically real. These are the magic months when your belly grows, your baby moves, and you begin settling into the reality of what’s coming.
This is often the time when aches and pains start to surface; usually round ligament discomfort, back tension, heartburn, and trouble sleeping creep up. Acupuncture helps here by improving circulation, relaxing tense muscles, and harmonizing digestion. It’s also a beautiful time to continue preventive care. Many of my patients choose monthly or biweekly sessions during the second trimester to stay balanced and emotionally centered.
One of my favorite things about this phase is watching patients move from managing symptoms to reclaiming joy in their pregnancy. A calm mind and a comfortable body can make all the difference.
Preparing for Birth
By the third trimester, the focus begins to shift toward birth preparation. The physical demands increase, and so does emotional intensity.
Around 36 weeks, I typically begin a series of birth preparation acupuncture sessions. These are gentle, focused treatments aimed at supporting cervical ripening, optimal baby positioning, and the body’s natural rhythm toward labor. Research has shown that pre-birth acupuncture may help reduce the need for medical inductions, shorten labor, and decrease the likelihood of cesarean delivery. It’s important to note that these treatments are not about forcing your body towards labor, but rather helping your body prepare and align with its own timing.
If your baby is breech, we may also use moxibustion, a warming technique applied to specific points that can encourage turning, especially between 32 and 36 weeks, while there is still room in the uterus for baby to reposition.
And perhaps most importantly, these sessions offer a calm space for you to breathe, rest, and gather strength for the powerful rite of passage ahead.
Honoring the Fourth Trimester
After birth, your body begins the enormous work of healing, nourishing, and adjusting. This is commonly referred to as the “fourth trimester,” and it is truly a sacred time for deep rest, recovery, and magical bonding moments with your new baby.
Postpartum acupuncture can help with:
✧ Energy depletion
✧ Hormonal imbalance or mood shifts
✧ Breastfeeding challenges
✧ Healing from birth, whether vaginal or surgical
Even just a few sessions during this time can ease the transition and help you feel more grounded in your new role as a parent.
In Closing
Pregnancy isn’t a condition to be treated but a process to be supported. With acupuncture, we listen to your body, respond to its needs, and help you navigate each phase with greater ease and resilience.
At Seed Acupuncture, you’re never just a set of symptoms. You’re a whole person, growing another whole person, and you deserve care that honors both your strength and your vulnerability. If you’re expecting, or planning to be, I would be honored to support you through the journey.
Explore more about prenatal acupuncture, acupuncture for birth preparation, and postpartum acupuncture.
