In my clinical practice, I have accompanied many women throughout different stages of pregnancy and have observed how acupuncture can help support the body during this important transitional period.
Regular treatments may assist in addressing common pregnancy-related discomforts and in preparing the body for labour, while also supporting recovery in the postpartum phase.
Acupuncture sessions also provide an important opportunity for rest and relaxation. In a calm and supportive environment, pregnant women are invited to slow down, reconnect with their bodies, and cultivate a sense of safety and trust.
This quiet space can help foster a deeper connection between mother and baby while supporting the body’s natural processes during the final weeks of pregnancy.
In this article, I would like to introduce how acupuncture can support the different stages of pregnancy & postpartum care.
First trimester (Conception – Week 12)
The first trimester is a period of rapid hormonal change. Many women experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and digestive discomfort, commonly referred to as morning sickness.
Common symptoms during the first trimester may include:
• Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Food aversions or cravings
• Bloating, constipation, or digestive discomfort
• Mood swings or emotional sensitivity
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Frequent urination
Depending on the condition of each individual, energy hands-on therapy may be recommended to help ground the body and calm the nervous system. Acupuncture can support the digestive system and help regulate the hormonal changes that occur during early pregnancy.
For women experiencing frequent nausea and vomiting, weekly acupuncture treatments may be recommended to help stabilize the body and reduce discomfort.
Some acupuncture points are contraindicated during pregnancy, as they may stimulate uterine contractions. A skilled and experienced acupuncturist will carefully select appropriate points and techniques to ensure treatments are safe and supportive during early pregnancy.
Second trimester (Transition – Week 12 to 28)
The second trimester is often considered a more stable phase of pregnancy, as the body gradually adapts to the hormonal and physiological changes that began in the first trimester. However, this period is also a time of transition as the baby continues to grow.
Acupuncture may help manage symptoms such as:
• Reflux or heartburn
• Anxiety, stress, or mood changes
• Insomnia or fatigue
• Constipation
• Nosebleeds or palpitations
• Circulation issues, swelling, or heavy legs
• Back, pelvic, abdominal, or sciatic pain
Acupuncture during this stage often focuses on supporting circulation, regulating the nervous system, and helping the body adapt to the ongoing physical changes of pregnancy.
Third trimester (Week 29 to 40, until delivery)
During the third trimester, the body undergoes further physical changes as it prepares for birth. As the baby grows larger, some women experience increased physical discomfort.
Acupuncture may help with:
• Back, pelvic, or sciatic pain
• Swelling in the legs and feet
• Carpal tunnel symptoms
• Insomnia and fatigue
• Anxiety about labour
• Breech positioning
• Labour preparation
During the last trimester, some babies may remain in a breech position, meaning the baby is positioned feet- or bottom-first instead of head-down. If this occurs and you would like to avoid a Caesarean section, Traditional Chinese Medicine may offer support through moxibustion.
Moxibustion for breech positioning
Moxibustion involves gently warming an acupuncture point on the fifth toe using an herb called mugwort (moxa). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this warming stimulation is used to help encourage the baby to turn into the head-down position.
The treatment is commonly recommended between 33 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, with around week 34 considered the optimal time to begin. At this stage, the baby usually still has enough room to turn naturally. After 36 weeks, the treatment may become less effective as the baby grows larger and has less space to move.
Preparing for Labour ( Week 36 until birth)
From week 36 until birth, weekly acupuncture treatments are often recommended to help prepare the body for labour. Acupuncture during this stage may help support the natural preparation of the body by reducing stress hormones, promoting cervical ripening and dilation, and encouraging labour to begin naturally.
Acupuncture for Postpartum Care
Acupuncture may be resumed 3–4 weeks after delivery. Treatments can support hormonal regulation, energy restoration, emotional wellbeing, perineal healing, and lactation support, facilitating optimal postpartum recovery.
Diet & Herbal Medicine for Postpartum recovery
The first two weeks after childbirth are a critical period for healing. During this time, it is important to keep the body warm, rest, and eat easily digestible, nourishing foods to support energy restoration and overall recovery.
A traditional recommendation in Korean postpartum care is seaweed soup, rich in iodine, calcium, iron, and fiber. This nourishing dish supports lactation, immunity, and overall postpartum health.
In addition to diet, Korean herbal medicine plays a key role in recovery and long-term reproductive health. In our studio, we offer personalized herbal formulas designed to support uterine recovery, restore energy, balance hormones, enhance immunity, and support breastfeeding, helping new mothers recover more effectively and maintain long-term wellness.
Click here for more information about treatment plans and pricing at our clinic.
About KO Jihae
Jihae Ko is a registered acupuncturist, somatic therapist, artist and researcher based in Amsterdam. She explores health of body, mind and spirit by integrating the knowledge of Chinese medicine, energy healing and somatic awareness in her treatment.
She helps her clients to feel at rest and assist healing process where clients can connect to their own self- healing capacity.
She grew up with Traditional Korean Medicine; her father is a life-long Korean medicine practitioner in South Korea.
Initially she worked as a professional dancer and choreographer. She brings years of body knowledge into her practice. Her work embodies a holistic healing and somatic awareness approach to alternative medicine practice.
She is a co-owner of Medicine Body Studio in Amsterdam.