How Acupuncture Supports Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Recovery
At Grisanti Acupuncture in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Dr. Lauren Grisanti, L.Ac. supports women and families through every stage of the perinatal journey, from the first positive pregnancy test to the early weeks of postpartum recovery. Acupuncture offers a time-honored way to nurture balance, relieve discomfort, and help you feel more grounded through the many physical and emotional changes that come with pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation, both physically, hormonally, and emotionally. Acupuncture offers gentle yet powerful support for many of the common discomforts that can arise. Chinese medicine and acupuncture encourage easing pregnancy symptoms, preparing for birth, and supporting postpartum recovery, all centered around helping the body restore harmony and strength.
Today, research continues to affirm what this tradition has long understood: acupuncture is a safe and effective complementary therapy throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery. Studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce nausea and back pain, improve sleep, calm anxiety, and help prepare the body for labor (Park et al., 2014; Carr, 2015).
Easing Nausea and Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester, often linked to changing hormone levels. Acupuncture at points such as Pericardium 6 (PC6) has been shown to help relieve nausea and calm the digestive system. Other points like Stomach 36 (ST36) and Conception Vessel 12 (CV12) can further support digestion and energy levels, helping expectant mothers feel more comfortable and nourished (da Silva, 2015).
Relieving Back, Hip, and Pelvic Pain
As the body adapts to accommodate a growing baby, posture shifts and joint laxity can lead to lower back or pelvic pain — especially in the second and third trimesters. Acupuncture provides effective, drug-free relief by easing muscle tension, improving circulation, and balancing the body’s energy pathways. A 2018 study found that acupuncture was both safe and effective for managing low back pain during pregnancy, offering an important alternative for those looking to avoid pain medications (Martins et al., 2017).
Supporting Emotional and Mental Well-Being
Beyond physical comfort, acupuncture also helps regulate the nervous system, promoting a sense of calm, emotional balance, and deeper rest. Points like Heart 7 (HT7), Kidney 3 (KI3), and Yintang are often used to ease anxiety and support restorative sleep. Many women report that these sessions become an anchor of relaxation and self-care throughout their pregnancy.
Preparing for Labor and Birth
Acupuncture can also play a key role in helping the body prepare for labor. Beginning around 36–37 weeks, “pre-birth acupuncture” focuses on gently encouraging the cervix and pelvis to be ready for delivery while supporting optimal positioning for the baby.
Research has shown that women who received pre-birth acupuncture experienced shorter labors and fewer medical interventions compared to those who did not (Kubista & Kucera, 1974; Betts, 2004). Points such as Stomach 36 (ST36), Gallbladder 34 (GB34), and Bladder 67 (BL67) are often used to promote readiness for labor and to help encourage natural progression.
Acupuncture may also assist in turning a breech baby when used with moxibustion (the warming of specific points with herbal heat). Studies have found this technique to be most effective between 33 and 35 weeks of pregnancy when performed daily for about ten days (Citkovitz, 2020).
Postpartum Recovery and Healing
The postpartum period, sometimes called the “fourth trimester,” is a time for rebuilding and replenishing the mother’s energy, blood, and emotional resilience. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is considered a window of opportunity for deep healing if the body is well supported.
Physical Recovery
Acupuncture and gentle moxa therapy can help restore circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve musculoskeletal pain from birth or breastfeeding. It can also support healing after cesarean delivery, helping to improve scar tissue flexibility and encourage energy flow through the abdomen and pelvis.
Breastfeeding Support
If milk flow is slow to start or feels inhibited, acupuncture can help by relaxing the shoulders and chest muscles, improving circulation, and supporting hormone balance. Specific points such as Gallbladder 21 (GB21) and Stomach 18 (ST18) can be effective for easing tension and supporting lactation (Citkovitz, 2020).
Emotional Well-Being
Postpartum mood changes are common and understandable. Fatigue, hormonal shifts, and sleep deprivation can all affect mood regulation. From a Chinese medicine perspective, postpartum depression and anxiety may reflect depletion of Qi and Blood or stagnation from emotional strain. Acupuncture works to restore balance and gently regulate the nervous system, helping mothers feel more centered and supported through the transition into parenthood.
When to Begin Acupuncture Care
Acupuncture can be safely integrated throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Early pregnancy: for nausea, fatigue, and emotional support
Second and third trimesters: for pain relief, digestion, and sleep
Late pregnancy: for labor preparation or breech presentation
Postpartum: for healing, milk flow, energy recovery, and mood balance
Sessions are typically scheduled weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your needs. Many patients continue care postpartum to help rebuild strength and maintain emotional steadiness.
A Supportive Option in Brooklyn, NY
Acupuncture offers a natural way to support your body through the profound changes of pregnancy and new motherhood. It can be safely combined with conventional prenatal and postpartum care, and many midwives and OBs now encourage it as part of a holistic birth plan.
At Grisanti Acupuncture in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, I provide individualized treatments designed to meet each woman’s unique needs. If you’re preparing for birth or navigating the early postpartum weeks, I’d love to support you. You can learn more or book your prenatal acupuncture session at Grisanti Acupuncture here.
References
Betts, D. (2004). The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth.
Carr, D. (2015). “Acupuncture Safety in Pregnancy.”
Citkovitz, C. (2020). Acupressure and Acupuncture for Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Recovery.
da Silva, A. (2015). “Acupuncture in Pregnancy: Safety and Effectiveness.”
Kubista, E., & Kucera, H. (1974). “The Influence of Acupuncture on Duration of Labor.”
Martins, E. et al. (2017). “Acupuncture for Low Back Pain in Pregnancy.”
Park, J. et al. (2014). “Safety of Acupuncture During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.”