Acupuncture During Pregnancy

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Shannon Larson provides gentle, individualized acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine support throughout pregnancy, including care for common pregnancy discomforts, labour preparation, and postpartum wellness.

Is Acupuncture Safe in Pregnancy?

Yes! Research to date is reassuring that acupuncture, when provided by a qualified and experienced practitioner, is considered a safe treatment option during pregnancy. Reported side effects are generally mild and may include temporary needle-site tenderness, minor bruising, or light discomfort.

During pregnancy, acupuncturists use specific clinical considerations when selecting acupuncture points. Some acupuncture points traditionally referred to as “contraindicated” or “forbidden” points are generally avoided during pregnancy unless there is a specific therapeutic reason and appropriate timing. Certain points may be used later in pregnancy for birth preparation, but should not be used prematurely.

It is important to seek care from a Registered Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine or licensed acupuncturist who has appropriate training and experience in pregnancy care. This is especially important for individuals with a history of premature labour, cervical concerns, high-risk pregnancy, or other pregnancy complications.

Common pregnancy concerns supported with acupuncture

• Morning sickness

• Miscarriage

• Breech or mal-position of fetus

• Insomnia

• Anxiety and Depression

• Muscular Skeletal pain

• Pelvic pain

• Constipation

• varicose veins

• Hemorrhoids

• Fatigue

• Urinary tract infections

• Itching during pregnancy

• Pregnancy induced hypertension

• Preparation for Labor

• Labor and delivery pain

• Labor induction

• Insufficient lactation

• Mastitis

• Postpartum recovery

Acupuncture for labour preparation

(also known as Cervical Ripening)

This consists of weekly treatments beginning at week 36 or 37. Treatments are tailored to each one’s individual constitution. Pre-birth acupuncture is different to induction treatments. Pre-birth acupuncture is done to calm the sympathetic nervous and improve blood flow to the reproductive organs. In doing so it  brings one out of the Flight or Flight response and into Rest and Digest and helps regulate hormones. During pre-birth acupuncture muscle tension and alignment can be addressed encouraging optimal fetal position. Pre-birth acupuncture supports what the body is already doing and helps it happen more efficiently. 

 Advantages to pre-birth treatments

• Softening the cervix

• Encourage optimal fetal presentation for birth

• Increasing energy

• Improve stamina for labor

• Shorter labor times

• Reduced need for medical intervention

• Calming and centering the mind improving the birth experience

For further thoughts on acupuncture and cervical ripening click here

For a summary of research on the benefits of pre-birth acupuncture click here