The Rhythms of Life: An Acupuncturist’s Insight into Pregnancy Support, Trimester by Trimester
As an acupuncturist, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside many women through the sacred and transformative journey of pregnancy. Each trimester tells its own story—delicate, powerful, and full of subtle shifts. From the first flutter of new life to the final breath before birth, acupuncture can be a guiding rhythm, a steady pulse of support.
Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and supported by modern clinical research, acupuncture offers a gentle, non-invasive way to ease discomforts, balance hormones, and nourish both mother and baby. Whether you are navigating morning sickness, preparing for labor, or seeking emotional grounding, acupuncture meets you where you are—body, mind, and spirit.
Let me share how we, as practitioners, support you through each trimester of pregnancy.
First Trimester: Rooting the Seed
In TCM, the first trimester is a time of “securing the pregnancy.” It’s about anchoring new life, supporting implantation, and calming the internal winds of hormonal change.
This is often when my patients first seek care—nausea, fatigue, and emotional overwhelm are common companions in early pregnancy. With acupuncture, we focus on harmonizing the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney systems, which are central to the body’s capacity to hold and nourish life.
How acupuncture supports you:
Eases nausea and vomiting: One of the most well-researched uses of acupuncture in pregnancy is for morning sickness. Stimulating the point PC6 (Neiguan) has been shown to significantly reduce nausea in early pregnancy (Park et al., 2014).
Reduces anxiety and mood fluctuations: The hormonal shifts of early pregnancy can feel destabilizing. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system and promote emotional calm.
Supports early hormonal balance: A study published in Fertility and Sterility found acupuncture beneficial in regulating stress hormones like cortisol and prolactin during IVF cycles—crucial factors in early pregnancy outcomes (Anderson et al., 2012).
Helps prevent miscarriage: From a Chinese medicine perspective, we work to strengthen the Chong and Ren channels, protect the uterus, and support vital substances like Blood and Jing (essence).
“In the silence between heartbeats, balance is restored; in the stillness of the needle, life finds its rhythm.”
Second Trimester: Blossoming in Balance
Often called the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy, the second trimester brings a sense of stability. Nausea typically fades, energy returns, and a gentle confidence settles in. But new shifts arise—muscle aches, digestive changes, and sleep disruptions.
In the clinic, this is a time to nourish the body deeply, relieve physical strain, and support the expanding vessel that is your body.
How acupuncture supports you:
Relieves back, hip, and pelvic pain: As the uterus grows and posture shifts, discomfort can follow. Acupuncture has been shown to significantly reduce pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain (Park et al., 2014).
Improves digestion and circulation: By regulating the Spleen and Stomach meridians, we help with issues like bloating, reflux, and sluggish bowels.
Encourages emotional resilience: This is still a period of hormonal change. Acupuncture helps maintain equilibrium by calming the Shen (spirit) and strengthening the Heart-Kidney connection.
Prevents swelling: If swelling in the feet or legs begins, we use acupuncture to support lymphatic flow and reduce fluid retention.
“As the lotus blooms with steady grace, so too does the body unfold—gently held by the rhythm of meridians and the constancy of breath.”
Third Trimester: Preparing the Portal
As the due date nears, the energy of pregnancy turns inward again. The body prepares itself for birth; the cervix softens, the uterus contracts, and the baby finds its path. Acupuncture can be a deeply supportive partner in this final chapter.
This is the time we often begin what’s called “pre-birth acupuncture”—a focused series of weekly treatments starting around 36 weeks, designed to prepare the body for labor.
How acupuncture supports you:
Encourages cervical ripening and optimal positioning: Acupuncture helps tone the uterus, promote blood flow to the pelvis, and prepare the cervix—reducing the likelihood of prolonged or medically induced labor (Yinova Center).
Helps turn breech babies: Alongside moxibustion (a warming technique), acupuncture can stimulate fetal movement. Studies show that using moxibustion at point BL67 may improve the chances of turning a breech baby (Parents.com).
Manages labor pain and anxiety: Acupuncture is used during labor in some hospital and home birth settings. It helps manage pain and reduce anxiety, creating a more grounded experience.
Supports postpartum healing: I often prepare patients for recovery by strengthening their reserves, tonifying Qi and Blood before birth.
“The body bows to the wisdom of nature, and acupuncture offers its hand—guiding the breath, softening the path, lighting the way.”
The Fourth Trimester: Returning to Center
Though often overlooked, the postpartum period—the “fourth trimester”—is a sacred window for recovery and replenishment. In Chinese medicine, this is a time to rest deeply, rebuild lost Blood, and nourish the Heart and Spleen.
I often support new mothers with treatments to:
Boost energy and mood
Regulate hormones
Support lactation
Promote emotional and physical recovery after birth
“Just as spring follows winter, so too does recovery follow birth—a season of rest, of integration, and of quiet regeneration.”
A Note on Safety
Safety is a top priority in my practice. Acupuncture during pregnancy is not only safe—it’s well supported by modern evidence. A 2014 review of 93 studies concluded that acupuncture did not increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or other adverse events, even when using traditionally “forbidden” points (Park et al., 2014).
When practiced by a trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is a safe and powerful way to support a healthy pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is not a condition to be treated—it is a sacred process to be supported. In every stage, from conception to birth and beyond, acupuncture offers a gentle rhythm of balance, resilience, and healing.
Whether you’re newly pregnant, deep into your third trimester, or finding your footing postpartum, I’m here to support you—with warmth, skill, and a needle’s quiet wisdom.
If you're curious about how acupuncture can be part of your pregnancy care, I’d love to connect. This work is a gift, and it’s one I’m grateful to share with every mother who walks through my door.
With gentle care,
Dr. Alexandria Henriques, DAc.
Doctor of Acupuncture & Founder
Acupunk NYC
References
Park J, Sohn Y, White AR, et al. “The safety of acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review.” BMJ Open. 2014. PMC3746244
Anderson BJ, Haimovici F, et al. “Acupuncture and IVF: efficacy, safety, and mechanisms.” Fertil Steril. 2012. PMC3342918
Yinova Center. “Acupuncture During Pregnancy.” Yinovacenter.com
City Pulse Acupuncture. “Chinese Medicine Guide.” citypulseacupuncture.com
Oula Health. “Acupuncture in the First Trimester.”oulahealth.com