Acupuncture While Pregnant

Many pregnant people complain of aches and pains. As the baby grows in the uterus, they can press on the joints, back, and internal organs such as the stomach, bladder, and lungs and cause discomfort. For some pregnant people, this discomfort can be overwhelming and needs relief. To find that relief, some women go for acupuncture. But is acupuncture safe during pregnancy? 

Key Takeaways

• Acupuncture is a medical technique with a centuries-old history, originating in China sometime before 100 BCE.
• The practice has been shown to reduce stress, morning sickness, aches, and pains.
• Acupuncture is a safe treatment for pregnant women

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a healthcare system that’s evolved over thousands of years to prevent and treat disease. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on the energy, qi (pronounced chi), and believes this energy flows along specific channels or meridians. Meridians are pathways that are believed to carry this vital energy throughout the body. A balanced qi results in spiritual, emotional, and physical health, while an unbalanced one can result in disease.

To align one’s energy or qi, the acupuncturist inserts very thin needles into the meridians. They rely on the fact that these meridians are interconnected throughout the body, and knowing where to insert the needles can alleviate any discomfort or pain. 

Acupuncture works by triggering the release of endorphins, the brain’s natural pain reliever. Endorphins are natural opioid peptides released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland that block pain signals. 

Acupuncture Points

Acupuncturists believe there are over 2000 points mapped to 14 main meridian channels. Each acupuncture point can treat a multiple list of disorders. One meridian channel relates to each of the 12 inner organs. Each of the 14 meridian channels has a specific number and acupuncture points meanings. They include:   

• Lung (1)
• Large intestine (20)
• Stomach (45)
• Spleen (21)
• Heart (9)
• Small intestine (19)
• Bladder (67)
• Kidney (27)
• Pericardium (9)
• Gallbladder (44)
• Liver (14)
• Governing Vessel or sea of yang  (28)
• Conception Vessel or sea of yin (24)
• Triple energizer, an organ recognized in Chinese medicine but not Western medicine (23)

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has standardized it by proposing 14 meridians with 361 acupuncture points. 

Acupuncture in Pregnancy

The aches and pains in pregnancy affect many women, and acupuncture can be a great pain reliever. However, some women fear it because they believe it is painful, but it usually has, at most, some discomfort but little to no pain when expertly done. The needles penetrate the skin at specific pressure points where the individual feels the pain, and this pressure stops the pain. 

Different techniques can be used in acupuncture, including:

• Acupressure: Here, pressure is applied to the acupuncture points using fingers.
• Dermal friction: The acupuncturist uses short, brisk strokes on the surface of the skin
• Moxibustion: The acupuncturist burns the herb “moxa” on or above the skin to warm and stimulate the pain points. 
• Cupping: The acupuncturist places special cups on the skin as suction to draw blood to or away from a pain area on the body. 

Acupuncture needles in the USA are controlled by the FDA. This ensures that only the correct needles are used in the process. 

Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your choice of medication options is limited, and even basic over-the-counter medications have to be taken under the advice of a doctor. If you’re aches and pains prevent you from doing your daily tasks, acupuncture is worth the try. Some studies have shown that acupuncture is a great intervention for perceived stress in pregnant women, reducing tiredness significantly. 

Benefits of acupuncture include:

• Alleviates morning sickness: Around 75% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness, and about 50% suffer from both vomiting and nausea in the 1st trimester. Acupuncture that targets the wrist can help treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.  
• Reduces water retention: The pressure in your womb can lead to fluid build-up, and this can bring discomfort, especially in the legs, ankles, and feet. Acupuncture can be used to re-balance and strengthen kidney function, reducing the need to use pharmaceutical products such as diuretics, which can be harmful to the mother and baby.
• Promotes better sleep: Sleep is important, but to be honest, it can be elusive during pregnancy. Acupuncture while pregnant can improve sleep quality. Research has found that acupuncture can significantly improve sleep quality in people with insomnia, increase sleep duration, reduce sleep onset latency, and decrease the number of awakenings during the night.
• Reduces lower back and pelvic pain: Low back pain and pelvic pain are quite common during pregnancy, and they can continue even after delivery. Acupuncture during pregnancy can significantly improve pain in women with lower back or pelvic pain. 
• Relieves heartburn: Heartburn is a common gut issue in pregnant women. The symptoms can be severe and distressing, and acupuncture helps to alleviate these symptoms when pressure is applied on the acupuncture point Stomach 44 (on the web between the 2nd and 3rd toes).  

Acupuncture and IVF

According to some studies,  acupuncture can be paired with in vitro fertilization (IVF) before embryo transfer. This can have a positive impact on the IVF outcome for many women. If you are unsure whether acupuncture is a great option for you, the compassionate healthcare providers at NOVA IVF will be able to guide you through the decision. 

Risks of Acupuncture in Pregnancy

An experienced acupuncturist will know what to avoid during each stage of pregnancy.  Some acupuncture points should be avoided during pregnancy. These points include:

• Spleen 6
• Large intestine 4
• Urinary bladder 60, 67
• Gallbladder 21
• Lung 7
• Conception vessels 3-7 (in the lower abdomen)
• Governing vessels 27-34 (between the coccyx bone and the anus)

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, acupuncture is safe during pregnancy, especially when done by an acupuncturist who is well-experienced in acupuncture for pregnant people. Before your appointment, it’s important to consult with your OB/GYN. 

Do due diligence when looking for an acupuncturist to ensure they are licensed and knowledgeable. Check if they know which points to avoid, like the Hegu (L14) that can cause uterine contractions or lower abdominal points (CV3-CV7), which can stimulate the uterus. Assess the environment to see if it’s clean. 

In Summary

Having a regular acupuncture session can be a great way to find relief from the pains and aches of pregnancy. However, this should only be done with a doctors go ahead. Additionally, you should do your research and find an acupuncturist experienced in treating pregnant women. Let them know if you have any medical conditions, as well as clearly state your symptoms so that they can tailor an acupuncture treatment just for you.