Prenatal & Pregnancy Acupuncture

Safe, Natural Support for Pain, Nausea, Sleep, Stress & Healthy Pregnancy

Serving River Forest • Oak Park • Chicago

Pregnancy is an exciting—but also physically demanding—time. As your body changes week by week, it’s common to experience discomforts such as sciatic pain, back tension, headaches, swelling, nausea, fatigue, stress, and sleep issues.

Acupuncture offers an effective, drug-free way to support your body, calm your nervous system, and promote a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy.

At our River Forest clinic, we provide evidence-informed prenatal acupuncture, gentle techniques, and customized care for every trimester.

What Is Prenatal & Pregnancy Acupuncture?

Prenatal acupuncture is a gentle, specialized approach using very fine needles to reduce pain, regulate hormones, support circulation, and balance your nervous system. It’s safe for all stages of pregnancy when performed by a trained practitioner and is commonly recommended by OB-GYNs, midwives, and doulas.

We adapt our treatments and positioning for your trimester—using elevated bolsters, side-lying cushions, and gentle needle techniques for maximum comfort and safety.

Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Below is a comprehensive list of conditions we commonly treat.

1. Sciatica & Low Back Pain Relief

One of the most common prenatal complaints, sciatica occurs when the growing uterus changes pelvic alignment and irritates the sciatic nerve.

Acupuncture helps by:

Relaxing pelvic and gluteal muscles
Reducing inflammation along the nerve
Improving circulation and releasing tension

Many patients get relief within the first few sessions.

2. Nausea & Morning Sickness

Acupuncture is well-known for reducing nausea, vomiting, food aversions, and digestive discomfort during the first trimester and beyond. We stimulate points that calm the stomach, regulate digestion, and settle the nervous system.

Consider adding ear seeds to prolong relief between visits (see Ear Acupuncture).

3. Headaches & Migraines

Hormonal shifts, tension, dehydration, and poor sleep can trigger headaches. Acupuncture reduces frequency and intensity by:

Relaxing neck/shoulder muscles
Regulating hormones
Improving blood flow
Reducing stress and jaw tension

If emotional stress is a trigger, see: Emotional Trauma & Stress Relief.

4. Stress, Anxiety & Sleep Issues

Acupuncture activates your parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” system, easing anxiety and promoting deeper sleep—without medication.

Benefits include:

Mental calm and emotional stability
Reduced prenatal anxiety
Improved insomnia and restless sleep
Nervous system regulation

For additional support, link to Anxiety Treatment Page.

5. Pelvic Pain, Hip Pain & Round Ligament Pain

These pains often peak in the second and third trimester. Acupuncture helps stabilize the pelvis and reduces pulling sensations by relaxing surrounding muscles.

6. Pregnancy Swelling (Edema)

Swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs is common due to fluid retention and vascular changes. Acupuncture supports:

Better lymphatic drainage
Improved circulation
Reduced inflammation

We may also recommend gentle Craniosacral Therapy for nervous system balancing.

7. Digestive Issues: Heartburn, Constipation & Bloating

Hormonal changes slow digestion, leading to discomfort. Acupuncture helps regulate the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.

8. Fatigue & Low Energy

Acupuncture supports adrenal balance, improves circulation, and helps regulate sleep, which naturally boosts energy levels.

9. Carpal Tunnel & Wrist Pain

Fluid retention can compress nerves in the wrist. Acupuncture reduces tightness, inflammation, and nerve irritation—often providing noticeable relief within a few sessions.

10. Breech Presentation (Moxibustion Support)

Between weeks 32–36, moxibustion therapy is traditionally used to encourage optimal fetal positioning. We will teach you how to safely continue treatment at home if appropriate.

11. Preparing for Labor

Late-term acupuncture (weeks 36–40+) helps:

Relax the pelvis
Soften and prepare tissues
Calm the nervous system
Encourage smooth, efficient labor
Reduce anxiety leading up to delivery

It does not force labor—it supports the body’s natural readiness.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes. When performed by a licensed, prenatal-trained practitioner, acupuncture is considered very safe. We avoid points contraindicated in pregnancy and adjust all treatments to your trimester.

We use: