Acupuncture during 1st trimester, anyone? Is it safe?

wed05

Any insights would be helpful.

 

Thanks!

schmoodle

My RE said it was fine. My OB discouraged it (although that was later than 1st trimester that I asked her). I think if it's a practitioner experienced in treating pregnant women it's probably ok, the concern is that certain points can trigger uterine contractions, but an acupuncturist who knows what they're doing wouldn't do those points.

JLB0017

The last time as I had acupuncture was when I was 6 weeks.  My acupuncturist told me it was not necessary to go any further unless I had horrible headaches or if I wanted labor to start.  Hope that helps alittle.

jillianjigs7

I went for my appointment (after just finding out about our BFP) and my acupuncturist said he didn't want to treat me anymore unless I needed help with morning sickness or other symptoms. So I guess everyone is different.

azureanemone

i did fertility acupunture, got pregnant, and now they want to do weekly sessions though the first trimester to help alleviate bad symptoms and to help make sure my circulation stays good (i have poor circulation normally).  then they said they would decrease it to once a month, then pick back up weekly the last month to prepare me for labor. 

 i love my acupuncturist - she's very well-known around chicago and came very highly recommended and has many good credentials, so i'm comfortable with her treatment.  there are certain points that suppsedly can trigger uterine contractions so if you're seeing an acupuncturist for reasons other than fertility/pregnancy, make sure they're well-versed in those spots!

schmoodle

azureanemone:

i did fertility acupunture, got pregnant, and now they want to do weekly sessions though the first trimester to help alleviate bad symptoms and to help make sure my circulation stays good (i have poor circulation normally).  then they said they would decrease it to once a month, then pick back up weekly the last month to prepare me for labor. 

 i love my acupuncturist - she's very well-known around chicago and came very highly recommended and has many good credentials, so i'm comfortable with her treatment.  there are certain points that suppsedly can trigger uterine contractions so if you're seeing an acupuncturist for reasons other than fertility/pregnancy, make sure they're well-versed in those spots!

Who do you see? I miss acupuncture - I'm so paranoid though that I've been scared to go even though realistically I don't think it could have a negative effect.

McCutie

I did acupuncture when I was almost 9 weeks pregnant with my son and I did it to try to help with my m/s. It helped just a tad...

 My RE & OB okayed this

Bride2b2004

Everything suggests that it is okay (so long as the person is properly trained).  My Experience: I got acupuncture at 10w for terrible m/s.  That night I was on the floor for 5 hours with vomiting and migraine headache.  The next day I was fine and m/s was significantly improved and got better and better.  At 12w, I found out there was no hb, we had lost the baby approximately 2w before (missed m/c).  There is absolutely no evidence that the acupuncture in ANY way affected the baby... all the same, I will never get acupuncture again when pg and I wish I never did. 

peeper72

azureanemone:

i did fertility acupunture, got pregnant, and now they want to do weekly sessions though the first trimester to help alleviate bad symptoms and to help make sure my circulation stays good (i have poor circulation normally).  then they said they would decrease it to once a month, then pick back up weekly the last month to prepare me for labor. 

 

This is exactly my pre-pregnancy story and plan for during the pregnancy.  My acupuncturist specializes in fertility and is well-respected here. I had a great response to acupuncture prior to becoming pregnant so it was a no-brainer for me to continue. So far, so good - no m/d, minimal bloating, etc.

shanrob

I'm a nurse and currently getting my masters in acupuncture and herbology.  It is absolutely safe to be treated, however most practitioners treat only when there are problems.  The general idea is that if your body is doing things as it should, leave it alone.  That being said, if you are experiencing m/s, excessive bloating, etc...it can be a life saver!  There are about 10 or so points that you shouldn't do in pregnancy as it can cause contractions, but any licensed AC will know what to avoid.