Acupuncture can be performed to address many common problems that may occur during pregnancy. For instance, it has been used to treat morning sickness, pelvic girdle pain, low back pain/sciatica, uterine contractions (in conjunction with Western MD/midwife), breech presentation and labor induction. An Italian study in 2004 (Neri et al2) showed that acupuncture plus moxibustion is more effective (53.6%) than observation (36.7%) in revolving fetuses in breech presentation, which significantly lowered the need for Cesarean sections. Acupuncture is also prescribed for certain high-risk patients to help reduce the risk of miscarriage.

For patients interested in natural childbirth, acupuncture can ease labor pain, help contractions to become more regular and calm the mind. After childbirth, Chinese Medicine can help the woman’s body to recuperate and can ease depression, perineal pain, mastitis, insomnia and other problems commonly associated with the postpartum period.

2. Neri I, Airola G, Contu G, Allais G, Facchinetti F, Benedetto C. Acupuncture plus
moxibustion to resolve breech presentation: a randomized controlled study. Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena-Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. April 2004;15(4):247-52