Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

YES!

That’s it- that’s the whole blog post.

Just kidding.

But, yes, acupuncture can be considered safe to use during pregnancy. A 2017 systematic review was conducted and reviewed 105 acupuncture studies. They found that any adverse events associated with acupuncture during pregnancy were generally mild and transient, and serious adverse events were rare. I have treated morning sickness, insomnia, pelvic pain, lower back pain, threatened miscarriage, sciatic pain, anxiety, depression, stress, constipation, malpresentation of the fetus, and fatigue. I am also continuing my education in this area of study with the Maternity Acupuncture Mentorship and Peer support Program (referred to as MAMPS).

Acupuncture is also often recommended for flipping a breech baby with the use of a specific herb on the little toe. A 2023 Cochrane Review by Coyle et al. showed that compared to usual care alone, the combination of moxibustion plus usual care probably reduces the chance of non‐cephalic presentation at birth. In 2017, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) also included moxibustion and acupuncture as a potential treatment option in their Green-top Guidelines for External Cephalic Version and Reducing the Incidence of Term Breech Presentation.

Here is what I recommend to my pregnant patients to support their pregnancy.

I like to see my pregnant patients every week in the beginning of their pregnancy. Pregnancy in the early stages (first trimester) can be a higher risk for miscarriage. It can also be the time with the most symptoms.

As you transition into the second trimester I recommend monthly treatments or treatments every two to three weeks. Things are feeling really good at this time, hormones are flowing, you are glowing. But, not everyone has this experience, so we can always modify these treatment plans for each person.

As we begin to enter into the third trimester, that is when we need to consider labor preparation. As you prepare for labor I like to see my patients starting around 36 weeks. I see you regularly again, every week until you get closer to labor. As we get closer to your due date, I may see you even more than one time a week.

Acupuncture can be a great support system for those who are pregnant. Reach out and book an appointment with me here.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. All information, content and material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment.