The Benefits Of Acupuncture During First Trimester Of Pregnancy

Many women seek acupuncture to help them restore their fertility and become pregnant, but did you know that acupuncture is also safe to be used during pregnancy? Acupuncture is gentle as it is effective, making it the perfect natural alternative therapy to turn to when you’re facing the sometimes challenging symptoms associated with pregnancy. If you recently discovered you’re pregnant and you’re wondering, “What are the benefits of acupuncture during the first trimester of pregnancy?”, then you’ve come to the right place!

Acupuncture has a balancing effect on the endocrine system, reducing stress levels and balancing pregnancy hormones. Acupuncture can help alleviate morning sickness, cravings, and other symptoms characteristic of the first trimester of pregnancy. 

Acupuncture supports the endocrine system

One of the main reasons why women experience pregnancy symptoms during their first trimester is because of the rapid changes happening in the body and fluctuating hormones. After conception, hormones like estrogen and progesterone rise, and it can take a few weeks before the levels of these hormones even out. Fortunately, acupuncture can help balance hormones during the first trimester by supporting the endocrine system.

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones, with each gland influencing different bodily functions. When it comes to pregnancy, it’s important to keep the endocrine system healthy by taking steps to support the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Keeping this specific network in alignment can help alleviate pregnancy symptoms.

During pregnancy, cortisol levels rise. This is normal, however, excessively high cortisol levels have been linked to adverse outcomes and higher rates of postpartum depression, and associated with fetal development issues. High cortisol levels can also put the mother at risk of health complications. By getting acupuncture during your first trimester, you can encourage your body to regulate cortisol at healthy levels and support balancing estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones needed during pregnancy.

Although researchers still don’t fully understand why, acupuncture has a modulating effect on the HPA axis, regulating cortisol levels and supporting the body’s ability to produce sex hormone levels healthy to sustain a pregnancy. Evening out these hormones can be a bit of a balancing act. But, with the help of acupuncture, it’s a lot easier. 

Acupuncture eases many first-trimester pregnancy symptoms

Morning sickness is a common complaint among women during the first trimester and can extend well into the second trimester as well. It’s believed that morning sickness is caused by fluctuating hormones, so it only makes sense that research would show acupuncture to be an effective treatment for this common pregnancy complaint.

If you’re dealing with pregnancy cravings or a lack of appetite, acupuncture can help with these symptoms as well. Acupuncture can be used to restore normal hunger signals. Bringing your appetite back into balance will allow you to enjoy a healthy diet and get all of the vitamins and minerals you need during your pregnancy.

During the first trimester, a woman’s body goes through many changes. Many women develop breast pain during this time, too. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for cyclical breast pain and mastitis, as well as breast pain associated with pregnancy. Self-breast massage can provide relief as well.

Another symptom women experience during the first trimester is an increased urge to urinate. As the uterus expands, it places pressure on the bladder, so you feel like you need to empty it more often. Although acupuncture cannot relieve the pressure the womb places on the bladder during pregnancy, it can support the muscle tone of the pelvic floor by increasing blood flow and reducing tension in the muscles themselves. This will allow you to empty your bladder more fully and may reduce the sensation of urgency.

Acupuncture alleviates mood swings and supports sleep

With fluctuating hormones come mood swings, another common symptom of early pregnancy. Some women develop anxiety and/or depression during the first trimester. The good news is that acupuncture can improve these symptoms as well. Acupuncture has been shown to improve anxiety and depression by balancing neurotransmitters, especially serotonin.

Serotonin is also known as the happy hormone. This neurotransmitter promotes a sense of well-being, making you feel calm and content. Adequate serotonin levels are needed to combat anxiety and to eliminate feelings of depression. Simply by getting acupuncture, you can help regulate your serotonin levels so you feel better during the first trimester of your pregnancy — and even beyond.

Boosting serotonin helps in another way, too. We know that acupuncture can balance cortisol levels, and this will help improve the quality of your sleep. But, the body needs melatonin for sleep, too, and serotonin is the precursor of melatonin. Acupuncture works to support sleep in more ways than one to ensure you plenty of rest during the first trimester. 

Other therapies can be used during your first trimester, too

For women experiencing mild symptoms during their first trimester, acupuncture alone may be enough. However, if your symptoms are severe, we may recommend additional therapies to help you find relief.

Massage therapy can also be used to help women during pregnancy. With a good massage, you’ll feel your stress melt away as we address muscle tension and encourage your body to relax. This will also make it easier to move your body during your pregnancy yoga sessions and workouts.

Herbal medicine is another therapy we can utilize to address first-trimester pregnancy symptoms. While you should never take herbal remedies without the guidance of a licensed herbalist (especially during pregnancy), with the help of a professional, certain herbs can be used to restore balance to your body during pregnancy. This will also help alleviate any symptoms you may have. 

Get in touch with us today

Contact our office to learn more about using acupuncture during pregnancy. We’ll answer any questions you may have and help you book your first appointment.

We create customized treatment plants for all of our clients, and we understand that every woman’s needs are unique. During your first visit, we’ll sit down with you to discuss your symptoms and create a holistic protocol that will give you real results. 

At Integrative Healing Arts, we’ve helped many moms-to-be ease their pregnancy symptoms and enjoy their pregnancies. Don’t delay — get in touch with us today so we can help you, too.