Acupuncture In The First Trimester

​The first trimester of pregnancy can be exciting, emotional...and exhausting. Exhausting from your body focusing its energy on your growing baby, but also exhausting mentally from all of the unknowns and questions. A question we receive often at Toronto Yoga Mamas is "Is acupuncture safe in the first trimester of pregnancy?".

If you have spoken with your midwife or physician, and are forthcoming with about your health with your acupuncturist, then yes, acupuncture is safe during pregnancy. Not only is prenatal acupuncture safe, it can be beneficial during all of the trimesters by reducing aches and pains, aiding with sleep, relieving nausea, help you in preparing for labour and readying you for the postpartum period. Below we focus on areas where prenatal acupuncture can benefit you in your first trimester.

1. Relieving Morning Sickness
Morning sickness in the first trimester can display as nausea, vomiting or dry heaving, and can be experienced at all hours of the day or night. Though this is normal as the pregnancy establishes itself, morning sickness can be debilitating and impact everyday life and work routines. Luckily acupuncture is great at treating these early symptoms, with many people experiencing relief instantly. Enjoying a cup of warm tea or cool water and settling into a relaxing acupuncture session while the needles do their work can be more accessible to some than ingesting something on a queasy stomach, and is also a great alternative to taking prescription medicine.

2. Pregnancy Migraines and Headaches
Hormone levels are changing, blood volume is increasing and blow flow is changing as your body directs it's focus towards your developing baby. These pregnancy changes can lead to headaches and migraines that also come with the added stress of having limited options for relief. Many mamas who are concerned with taking medication options during pregnancy, or find their relief inadequate, turn to prenatal acupuncture as an alternative therapy. Acupuncture in pregnancy helps to balance the nervous system, improve circulation, reduce inflammation and relieve muscular tension that contribute to prenatal headache and migraines. 

3. Bonding With Baby
The first trimester is a beautiful time to begin forming an attachment with your baby, which is very important for their development once your baby is in your arms. A prenatal acupuncture session is a perfect way to slow down both physically and mentally, quiet the mind and turn inwards. Acupuncture affects the central nervous system releasing feel good hormones and works with emotions to optimize vitality. Once the needles have been set and you are feeling fully supported, your acupuncturist will leave you to relax, checking in on you periodically. This is your time to melt into the warm treatment table and give yourself space to reflect on your pregnancy and bond with baby.


Read more about acupuncture in pregnancy or contact us to book an appointment. Want to speak with our acupuncturist before your appointment? We invite you to book a complimentary 20 minute consultation.