Tender Support Through Every Trimester: How Acupuncture Nurtures You in Pregnancy and Beyond
Carole Wyche, Lic. Ac., MAOM an Acupuncturist at Root To Rise in Scarborough treating an expecting mama with acupuncture in her 3rd trimester
Pregnancy is one of the most powerful transformations a body can go through. It can be beautiful, overwhelming, joyful, exhausting and sometimes all of that in a single day. At Root to Rise, we believe that support during this time should feel just as layered and intentional. That’s where acupuncture in pregnancy comes in.
Grounded in thousands of years of Traditional Chinese Medicine, prenatal acupuncture is a gentle, evidence-informed way to care for your body, balance your emotions, and prepare you for what’s ahead, whether you’re newly pregnant, entering the home stretch, or settling into postpartum life.
First Trimester: Honoring the Beginning
The early weeks of pregnancy are often filled with quiet shifts and big feelings. Even though everything may still be new or unspoken, your body is already working overtime. Regular acupuncture (weekly or biweekly) in the first trimester can support you through:
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Emotional ups and downs
Nutritional support
Support in the case of a threatened miscarriage
Every pregnancy is unique. We take the time to listen closely and create a treatment plan that truly meets you where you are. Our goal is to help you feel grounded, supported, and more at home in your body.
Second Trimester: Supporting the Shift
The second trimester is often described as a turning point, when early symptoms ease and energy begins to return. It’s a beautiful window for nourishment, both physical and emotional.
During this time, many clients benefit from “monthly tune-ups” or as-needed visits for:
Exhaustion
Pain management (like back pain or round ligament discomfort)
Constipation
Heartburn
Stress and anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Acupuncture gently encourages balance, helping you feel more aligned as your body continues to grow and adapt.
Third Trimester: Preparing You for Birth
As your due date approaches, the focus shifts toward preparation for labor, for postpartum, and for the major life transition ahead. Starting around week 36, we recommend weekly pre-birth acupuncture sessions, designed to:
Build energy and stamina for labor
Support your emotional well-being
Ease symptoms like swelling, constipation, hemorrhoids, and muscle tension
Help encourage a smoother, more efficient labor process
These treatments aren’t just about your body, they’re about creating space for rest, reflection, and readiness.
Postpartum: Restoring What’s Been Given
The postpartum period is profound physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether you’re feeling strong or stretched thin (or both), postpartum acupuncture is here to support your healing, one step at a time.
It can help with:
Rebuilding strength and vitality
Processing emotions and supporting mental health
Fatigue and sleep challenges
Pain management
Lactation support
There’s no one “right” way to feel postpartum. We’re here to hold space for whatever your experience looks like, and to help you feel resourced and cared for in this next chapter.
Looking for extra support during pregnancy and/or postpartum? Schedule your free 30 minute consultation with us in Saco, Scarborough or virtually today!
Learn more about our Acupuncture services in Saco and Scarborough, Maine and meet our Acupuncturists HERE!
At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy, pelvic floor therapy, acupuncture, and therapeutic yoga. We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!
