Pregnancy is a time of transformation… Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. While this journey brings moments of joy and anticipation, it can also include a variety of symptoms that affect your comfort and well-being.

But did you know that you can achieve a very healthy pregnancy with acupuncture? Not only does it help with morning sickness, acupuncture can also help you get through your labor. At Foundation Chiropractic in Pittsburgh, we offer prenatal acupuncture as a safe, gentle, and effective way to support you throughout every stage of pregnancy.

Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy

While being pregnant brings many incredible experiences, it also comes with numerous side effects. Thankfully, acupuncture is a gentle and effective way to help relieve your discomfort and support a healthy pregnancy. Regular treatments support your natural balance and can offer relief from:

Nausea and vomiting, commonly referred to as "morning sickness," range from mild to severe. According to a 2021 review, acupuncture was found to be effective for managing pregnancy-related nausea, including hyperemesis gravidarum.
Swelling and edema, especially in your ankles and feet
Insomnia and difficulty getting restful sleep
Anxiety and depression are common during your pregnancy
Back, hip, and pelvic pain are caused by both additional weight on your abdomen and the relaxin hormone loosening your joints, especially during your second and third trimesters. You may even experience nerve pain, such as "sciatica."
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes tingling and numbness in your hands and wrists
Headaches are often linked to tension or hormonal changes
Digestive discomfort, including heartburn, indigestion and constipation. As your internal organs shift to make room for your baby, the way you digest your food can be affected.

Is it Safe?

Yes… Prenatal acupuncture is safe when performed by a trained, licensed professional. At Foundation Chiropractic, your comfort and safety are always our top priority. The most common side effects are mild pain or bruising at the needle site and usually resolve within a day or two. A properly trained acupuncturist knows what points to avoid and will work with your changing body to make sure that you have a healthy pregnancy.

Acupuncture to Prepare for Labor

Acupuncture can support your healthy pregnancy, even during labor. If your baby is breech, your practitioner may use a technique called moxibustion (a warming therapy using mugwort) to stimulate an acupuncture point on your little toe. A 2019 study found that just 30 minutes of stimulation for three days in one week helped increase the chance of the baby moving into a head-down position.

If you are approaching your due date and want to avoid medications like Pitocin, acupuncture may gently encourage your body to begin labor naturally. While most women begin induction treatments after 40 weeks, it is sometimes appropriate to start as early as week 36.

In some cases, your acupuncturist may be allowed hospital privileges. If so, acupuncture can help reduce the need for pharmaceutical pain relief and support a more comfortable delivery.

Ready to Have a Healthier Pregnancy?

Whether you are in your first trimester or preparing for labor, prenatal acupuncture can help you feel more supported, grounded, and well. At Foundation Chiropractic in Pittsburgh, we are here to walk with you on your journey... Naturally and on your terms.