Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Key Takeaways

• The use of holistic and alternative medicine is increasing among Americans, with more patients opting to incorporate therapies like acupuncture during pregnancy.
• Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice with roots in ancient history. When performed by a skilled and licensed acupuncturist, it is widely regarded as safe for normal-risk pregnant patients. 
• Acupuncture provides various potential advantages, including alleviation of common pregnancy discomforts and stress. However, like any medical procedure, patients should remain informed about potential risks, exercise caution, and consult with their healthcare professionals.

What Does Acupuncture Do?

As patients navigate the incredible changes of carrying a pregnancy, it’s common to explore ways to support physical and emotional well-being.  According to Acupuncture in Medicine, more and more Americans are using complementary and alternative medicine, especially when they’re expecting. 

One such therapy gaining more attention is acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice that uses sterilized, thin needles at specific points in the body. But can it benefit you during your pregnancy? The short answer could be "yes" – for some people. While research is ongoing and findings are mixed, acupuncture has shown in some studies to offer some potential benefits for expectant patients who are at normal risk. 

Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Some studies have shown acupuncture’s effectiveness in reducing nausea and vomiting, often associated with morning sickness.  It’s also believed to help with back pain, pelvic pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome – all common pregnancy complaints.   

Pregnancy is also a time of significant hormonal fluctuations and emotional shifts.  Research shows that acupuncture can help some patients find peace and reduce the amount of perceived stress. It stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers and mood boosters. This can potentially lead to reduced anxiety, better sleep quality, and a more positive emotional state.   A 2020 study in the International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine showed that acupuncture had a positive effect during in vitro fertilization (IVF), specifically regarding the embryo transfer. A weakness of this study was the relatively low number of patients in each study arm (only 62 patients in each). The findings showed that acupuncture 25 minutes before embryo transfer increased the patients’ IVF outcome. However, repeating acupuncture 25 minutes following the embryo transfer did not improve the IVF outcome compared to the control group. On the other hand, other studies indicate that acupuncture does not significantly impact IVF outcomes.

Although complementary and alternative medicine use in modern obstetrics is becoming more recognized, there is still a lack of official recommendations supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). In one committee opinion, ACOG stated that during the initial stage of labor, immersing in water has been shown to reduce pain scores without any evidence of harm. Other approaches, such as acupuncture and massage, have also been studied for pain reduction. However, due to varying pain rating methods and application techniques, the most effective approaches remain undetermined.

Risks of Acupuncture During Pregnancy

If you’re considering acupuncture while pregnant, be sure to find a trained and licensed acupuncturist with experience in treating pregnant patients. Incorrectly performed acupuncture can lead to serious side effects, including infections, organ punctures, and damage to the central nervous system.

Studies indicate that the negative side effects of acupuncture during pregnancy are generally mild and similar to those experienced by non-pregnant acupuncture users. These side effects may include fatigue, worsened symptoms, minor bleeding or bruising at the needle site, fainting, and a temporary drop in blood pressure.One study in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that when applied correctly, acupuncture during pregnancy appears to be associated with few adverse effects, with the most common being needling pain. Serious adverse effects are rare and therefore difficult to research.

Before incorporating any new regimen such as acupuncture, especially during pregnancy or when trying to conceive, it’s advisable to discuss treatment details and any health concerns with both your doctor and your acupuncturist.

Prenatal Acupuncture

During pregnancy, acupuncture differs from typical treatments in terms of needle placement and frequency. While some healthcare providers recommend acupuncture throughout pregnancy, prenatal acupuncture is widely considered beneficial after 35 weeks.Acupuncture during pregnancy is generally considered safe, as previously stated, but there is ongoing discussion and research about needling at traditionally “forbidden points.” For example, it has generally been considered safe to needle abdominal points above the belly button up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, but not beyond that. However, the study showed that acupuncture at forbidden points during pregnancy does not increase the risk of adverse outcomes; it found no evidence that acupuncture induces miscarriage or labor, and it did not harm pregnant rats.

For those concerned about needles, some acupuncturists also offer acupressure treatments, which involve finger pressure instead of needles.  

It is also important to recognize that treatments (often herbal medications) prescribed by alternative medicine providers may have biologic activity that is unproven and unstudied with possible negative medical effects. Therefore, for patients considering acupuncture, the general recommendation from many experts would be to refrain from taking any other types of herbal medications along with acupuncture itself. 

The Bottom Line

At San Diego Fertility Center, we recognize the importance of incorporating complementary therapies like acupuncture into the fertility and pregnancy journey for some patients. Our fertility care experts work closely with each patient to provide personalized care, including the incorporation of acupuncture to complement your overall treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We're here to help you find harmony and well-being throughout your journey.

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.  Please consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.