Pain Management During Pregnancy & Acupuncture

A Brief Introductory Guide

Understanding Pain During Pregnancy and the Benefits of Acupuncture

Pregnancy is a time of tremendous physical and emotional transformation, but it often comes with various types of discomfort and pain as the body adapts to support the growing baby. Many women experience aches and pains due to changes in posture, shifting hormones, and the increased weight and pressure on joints and muscles. Common pregnancy-related pain includes lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome. While these issues are a natural part of pregnancy, they can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, making it difficult to rest, sleep, or perform everyday activities. Acupuncture, a holistic therapy that has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a safe and effective way to manage pain and promote comfort throughout pregnancy.

The Wellspring Integrative Approach

Women’s Health during all stages of conception, pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery is our specialty here at Wellspring Health.

It takes a village to raise a child, but before that, it takes a team to make a baby. You can’t do it alone and we at Wellspring Health are privileged to be a member of your team. Wellspring Health uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) and Conventional medicine in an integrative approach. This combination can enhance treatment outcomes, manage the side effects of conventional treatments (like chemotherapy), and provide additional support for chronic or complex conditions. We love science and we love working with conventional medical Doctors. This approach combines the strengths of both systems, offering a broader range of treatment options and emphasizing the prevention of disease as well as the treatment of existing conditions.

Reproductive Endocrinologists & Gynecologist Support During Fertility & Pregnancy: We enjoy collaborating with physicians and have extensive experience working with a large network of specialists in Manhattan. We can provide recommendations and referrals for every stage of the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey.

Doula Support: We frequently work with doulas throughout all stages of pregnancy and delivery, providing integrated care and support to enhance the birthing experience.

Below is a comprehensive introductory guide to how Wellspring & TCM can support you throughout every stage of your journey. Feel free to jump to any specific section that best suits your needs.

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Challenges Associated with Pain During Pregnancy

  1. Lower Back Pain and Sciatica:
    Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. As the baby grows, the increasing weight and change in the center of gravity place added pressure on the lower back. This can lead to muscle strain, stiffness, and pain. Additionally, sciatica—a condition where the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated—can cause sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg, making movement difficult and uncomfortable.

  2. Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP):
    Pelvic girdle pain, also known as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), occurs when the ligaments that support the pelvic bones become too relaxed and stretchy due to the hormone relaxin. This can lead to instability and misalignment of the pelvic joints, causing pain in the front or back of the pelvis, hips, and lower back. PGP can be exacerbated by activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of bed.

  3. Round Ligament Pain:
    As the uterus expands, the round ligaments that support it stretch and thicken, which can cause sharp, jabbing pain in the lower abdomen or groin area. Round ligament pain is typically felt when changing positions, standing up quickly, or coughing, and it can be uncomfortable but is generally harmless.

  4. Headaches and Migraines:
    Hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and heightened stress levels can lead to headaches and migraines during pregnancy. Dehydration, poor posture, and inadequate sleep can also contribute to the frequency and severity of headaches, making it challenging for pregnant women to find relief.

  5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
    Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in pregnancy due to fluid retention, which can cause swelling and compression of the median nerve in the wrist. This results in numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and fingers, which can interfere with daily activities and disrupt sleep.

  6. Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue:
    Pain and discomfort during pregnancy can contribute to sleep disturbances and overall fatigue, leaving women feeling exhausted and unable to fully enjoy their pregnancy. Lack of sleep can also exacerbate pain perception, creating a cycle of discomfort and exhaustion.

From Our Clients

“Spend 10 minutes with Kirsten and you immediately know you're going to heal. She's an expert in her field. She's thoughtful in her approach to her client’s treatment. You will feel incredible after a couple of sessions with her.”

- Jackie C.

“Wellspring Health made a huge difference in the health of my pregnancy and my postpartum recovery! Highly recommend.”

- Victoria R.

“Kirsten is wonderful.  I felt very cared for by her during my pregnancy.  The acupuncture really helped with my sciatica.”

- Rebekah B.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Pain Management During Pregnancy

Acupuncture, a therapeutic technique that involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, is a safe and effective way to alleviate pain and promote well-being during pregnancy. Here are some of the key benefits of acupuncture for managing pain and discomfort throughout pregnancy:

  1. Relieves Lower Back Pain and Sciatica:
    Acupuncture is highly effective in alleviating lower back pain and sciatica during pregnancy. By stimulating specific points along the spine and lower back, acupuncture helps release muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and promote blood flow to the affected area. This not only provides immediate relief but also prevents the recurrence of pain by supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

  2. Reduces Pelvic Girdle Pain and Improves Mobility:
    Acupuncture can alleviate pelvic girdle pain by targeting acupuncture points that balance the flow of energy (Qi) and Blood in the pelvic region. It helps reduce pain, improve joint stability, and enhance mobility, making it easier for pregnant women to perform daily activities. Regular acupuncture sessions can also help prevent the worsening of pelvic pain as pregnancy progresses.

  3. Alleviates Round Ligament Pain:
    Acupuncture helps relax the round ligaments and other supportive structures, reducing the sharp, sudden pains often associated with round ligament discomfort. Gentle needling in the lower abdomen and groin area can help relieve tension and improve the elasticity of the ligaments, making movements more comfortable.

  4. Relieves Headaches and Migraines:
    Acupuncture is known for its ability to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines. By regulating blood flow and balancing hormone levels, acupuncture can provide effective relief from pregnancy-related headaches. It also reduces muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which are common contributors to headaches.

  5. Manages Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Nerve Pain:
    Acupuncture can effectively reduce the pain, numbness, and tingling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. By promoting circulation and reducing inflammation around the wrist, acupuncture helps relieve pressure on the median nerve, improving hand function and reducing discomfort.

  6. Promotes Relaxation and Better Sleep:
    Pain and discomfort can significantly interfere with sleep during pregnancy. Acupuncture calms the nervous system, promotes relaxation, and improves sleep quality by reducing pain and anxiety. Better sleep not only enhances overall health but also helps the body recover more effectively from daily stressors.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum We Treat With TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic and individualized approach to supporting women’s health through all stages of fertility, pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. By addressing imbalances in the body and promoting harmony between the physical and emotional aspects of health, TCM can enhance reproductive health, support a healthy pregnancy, and aid in postpartum healing. With its long history and integrative methods, TCM continues to be a valuable option for women seeking a natural and comprehensive approach to wellness and maternal care.

  • Female Infertility: Improving ovarian function and egg quality, balancing hormones, supporting Uterine Health, blood flow, nervous system, emotional support, and stress management.

  • Stress Management, Nervous System Supports & Pregnancy: Regulate stress response, stimulate endorphins, balance cortisol, sleep, muscle tension, pain relief, emotional support, a place to relax, let go and get some care.

  • IVF/IUI: Support pre- and post-embryo transfer, reducing IVF-related stress and anxiety, and managing hormonal fluctuations during IUI/IVF.

  • Egg Freezing: Optimizing ovarian reserve, preparing the body for egg retrieval, managing side effects of hormonal stimulation, and post-egg retrieval recovery.

  • Pain & Pregnancy: Relieving back pain, pelvic pain, sciatic and joint pain.

  • Labor Prep, Delivery & Induction: Promote cervical ripening and softening, supporting natural and assisted labor induction, pain relief, and breech babies.

  • Prenatal & Trimester Support: Nausea and fatigue, fetal development support, breech presentation and positioning, insomnia and stress.

  • Post Partaum: Emotional supports balancing hormones, stress response, lactation support, activating parasympathetic nervous system to encourage relaxation.

  • Lactation: Enhancing milk supply and flow, addressing blocked milk ducts and mastitis, balancing hormones, reducing stress, and improving milk quality.

  • Recurrent Miscarriage: Strengthening uterine health, immunological factors, managing stress and anxiety.

  • Male Infertility: Improving sperm quality and motility, varicocele, hormone, and libido imbalance.

Parting Thoughts:

Pregnancy-related pain and discomfort can be challenging to manage, but acupuncture offers a natural, holistic approach that is safe for both mother and baby. By alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation, acupuncture helps pregnant women feel more comfortable and at ease throughout their pregnancy. Whether addressing lower back pain, pelvic discomfort, or headaches, integrating acupuncture into a prenatal care plan can significantly improve the pregnancy experience, allowing women to enjoy this transformative time with less pain and more joy.

Resources & Links to Learn More

Acupuncture has been studied for its potential benefits in managing pain during pregnancy. Here are five clinical studies highlighting its positive effects:

  1. Acupuncture for Low Back and Pelvic Pain in Late Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial: This study evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating low back and pelvic pain among pregnant women. The results indicated that acupuncture significantly reduced pain intensity and improved functional status compared to standard care.  BMJ Open

  2. Acupuncture for Low Back and/or Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: This systematic review analyzed multiple studies to assess acupuncture's efficacy in managing pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain. The findings suggested that acupuncture effectively reduces pain and improves mobility in pregnant women.  Drexel University

  3. Acupuncture or Acupressure for Pain Management During Labour: A Cochrane Review: This Cochrane review examined the use of acupuncture and acupressure for pain relief during labor. The analysis concluded that acupuncture may increase satisfaction with pain management and reduce the use of pharmacological analgesia during labor.  Cochrane Library

  4. Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture in Treatment of Pregnancy-Related Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: This study systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treating various pregnancy-related symptoms, including pain. The results indicated that acupuncture is more effective than other treatments or pharmacotherapy alone in managing pregnancy-related discomforts.  Europe PMC

  5. Acupuncture for Labor Pain Management: A Systematic Review: This systematic review critically evaluated the evidence on the analgesic effect of acupuncture during labor. The findings suggested that acupuncture may be beneficial in reducing labor pain intensity and improving maternal satisfaction.  AJOG

These studies suggest that acupuncture may offer benefits in managing pain during pregnancy, particularly in reducing low back and pelvic pain, as well as labor pain.