Pregnancy Support by Trimester

First Trimester
Weekly acupuncture is recommended in the following situations: 
• Preventing miscarriage
• reducing nausea and vomiting 
• Decrease the need for cold, flu or pain medication
• Symptom management during physician-supervised withdrawal from medications
• headaches, low-back, or chronic pain
Second Trimester
During this more stable time most of patients are seen monthly to address minor issues as they arise. More frequent visits are occasionally recommended in the following situations in addition to usual obstetrical care:
  • carrying of multiples
  • History of complications in prior pregnancies
  • history of preeclampsia for prevention 
  • history or management of hypertension 
  • ongoing nausea or vomiting
  • At risk or history of preterm labor or delivery
  • bleeding in pregnancy 
Third Trimester
At 37 weeks weekly treatment is recommended to prepare for labor. Research shows acupuncture can promote cervical ripening, help labor to spontaneously begin on time. and reduce the time between due date and delivery. Research shows that weekly acupuncture from week 37 until delivery reduces the incidence of intervention such as induction, c-section, and decreases the length of time in labor. Acupuncturists can work alongside the obstetrician or midwife to address the following common issues:
• Breech presentation-most successfully addressed at 34-35 weeks and before 37 weeks
• encouraging labor in post dates pregnancies on recommendation of the OB or midwife
• Pain management in late stage pregnancy