Prenatal Acupuncture in Seattle, WA
Supporting Modern Families with Traditional Wisdom
Serving the Seattle Region
Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a profound, precious, and life-altering experience. It is a time to nourish and care for yourself as you support the health of the life growing within you. Pregnancy is a dynamic process of transitions — whether this is your first or a successive pregnancy, your body will likely experience both physical and emotional changes along the way. Some of these changes are welcome and exciting, like the first time you hear your baby's heartbeat or feel the flutter of movement from within. Others may be unexpected or uncomfortable, such as nausea in the first trimester, or low back aches, hip pain, and acid reflux as your body prepares for the growth and birth of your child.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are safe, natural, and effective ways to support you throughout your pregnancy and to treat any symptoms of discomfort or imbalance you may experience along the way — without the need for medications.
If you are still on your path to conception, visit our Acupuncture for Fertility page to learn how we support natural conception, or our Acupuncture for IVF & IUI Support page to learn how we work alongside your reproductive care team.
How Acupuncture Supports You Through Every Trimester
At Family Acupuncture & Wellness, we tailor your treatment to wherever you are in your pregnancy. Each trimester brings its own unique changes and challenges, and your care evolves with you every step of the way.
First Trimester Support
After a positive pregnancy test, we typically recommend weekly treatments through the first trimester. This is a critical period of development, and acupuncture can provide meaningful support by helping to:
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Prevent miscarriage
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Stop bleeding or spotting
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Reduce nausea and vomiting
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Relieve gastrointestinal upset such as heartburn and constipation
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Reduce headaches
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Increase energy and reduce fatigue
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Decrease the need for medications such as cold, flu, or pain relievers
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Relieve back aches and pains
Second Trimester Support
The second trimester tends to be a more stable and comfortable time during pregnancy. Most women come in once or twice a month during this phase, depending on the symptoms they are experiencing.
Common conditions we treat during the second trimester include:
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Dizziness and lightheadedness
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Edema and swelling
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Hypertension
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Gestational diabetes
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Headaches
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Aches and pains
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Gastrointestinal upset
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Hemorrhoids
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Fatigue
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Anxiety and insomnia
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Leg cramps
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Nasal congestion
Third Trimester Support & Birth Preparation
Beginning around weeks 35 to 36, we recommend weekly treatments to help your body prepare for the birthing process. These treatments are designed to:
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Ripen the cervix
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Open the pelvis
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Tone the uterus to assist with more productive contractions
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Reduce the time between your due date and delivery date
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Reduce the incidence of induction or cesarean
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Decrease time spent in labor
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Induce labor naturally when medically necessary
Research has shown that women who received regular acupuncture treatments in the weeks prior to their due date experienced less medical intervention and shorter, more efficient labors.
Breech Presentation
If a breech presentation is discovered, acupuncture treatments should ideally begin around week 34 — though we have had success with turning babies as late as week 39. A specific acupuncture technique using moxibustion on an acupuncture point near the little toe has been used for centuries to encourage the baby to turn naturally, and is supported by a growing body of clinical research.
A Safe, Natural, Drug-Free Choice
Throughout every stage of pregnancy, acupuncture offers a safe, natural, and drug-free treatment option for a wide range of symptoms and imbalances. We work closely with your midwife, OB-GYN, or other members of your care team to ensure your acupuncture treatments complement and support your prenatal care every step of the way.
Pregnancy & Prenatal Acupuncture Research
The following peer-reviewed studies support the use of acupuncture during pregnancy:
Labor, Birth Preparation & Cervical Ripening
Breech Presentation
Pregnancy Symptoms & Wellbeing
Begin Your Prenatal Care at Family Acupuncture & Wellness
We would be honored to support you and your growing family through every stage of your pregnancy. Whether you are in your first trimester or preparing for birth, we are here to help you feel your best. Contact us today to schedule your prenatal acupuncture consultation.