How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Helps in Pregnancy
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can play a powerful role in supporting fertility, early pregnancy, and miscarriage prevention.
- Research shows acupuncture promotes beneficial hormonal responses and may help reduce miscarriage risk.
- When combined with a healthy diet, meditation, and lifestyle changes, acupuncture improves circulation to the uterus, supports egg maturation, and strengthens the uterine lining—helping sustain a healthy pregnancy.
- Acupuncture also reduces stress, anxiety, and pregnancy-related discomforts, creating a healthier environment for both mother and baby.
Acupuncture for Pregnancy Symptoms
Acupuncture provides natural, safe relief from common pregnancy symptoms without adverse drug effects. It can help with:
- ✅ Morning sickness & nausea (affects 50–80% of women)
- ✅ Heartburn & indigestion
- ✅ Constipation
- ✅ Carpal tunnel syndrome
- ✅ Piriformis syndrome & sciatica pain
- ✅ Swelling in the legs
- ✅ Pregnancy-related headaches & sleep problems
Morning Sickness & Nausea
Many women avoid medication due to concerns about fetal safety. Studies confirm acupuncture is highly effective:
📌 A randomized controlled trial published in Obstetrics & Gynecology (2001) found acupuncture nearly twice as effective as sham (placebo) treatments for nausea in early pregnancy.
In my practice, referrals from gynecologists and family doctors are common, and patients report up to 80% improvement in nausea symptoms with acupuncture alone.
Acupuncture for Back & Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
A study at the Federal University of São Paulo (2004) investigated acupuncture for back and pelvic pain in pregnancy. Results showed that acupuncture:
- Reduced low back and pelvic pain
- Increased ability to perform daily activities
- Reduced the need for pain medications
This is especially important since many pain medications are not recommended during pregnancy.
Acupuncture for Miscarriage Prevention
Recurrent miscarriages affect many women, often creating emotional distress and anxiety. In 16+ years of practice in Winnipeg, I have supported nearly 700 cases of threatened miscarriage, with a success rate of around 70% for helping couples achieve healthy pregnancies.
Acupuncture helps by:
- Supporting hormonal balance
- Reducing stress and anxiety, which affect liver Qi and reproductive health
- Improving blood flow to the uterus
- Helping both partners by addressing sperm quality and morphology issues
When both partners are treated, pregnancy rates improve, and miscarriage risk is reduced.
The Importance of Collaboration in Fertility Care
I strongly believe in teamwork with physicians and fertility specialists. Many gynecologists now refer patients to me for acupuncture to complement their medical care. By collaborating and sharing updates, we provide the best outcomes for both mother and baby.
Advocacy for Acupuncture in Pregnancy Care
During the pandemic, licensed acupuncturists in Manitoba were forced to close while unlicensed practitioners continued practicing under “essential business” loopholes. As a Board Member of TCMAAM, I advocated tirelessly to reclassify acupuncture as an essential healthcare service.
This allowed high-risk pregnancy patients and women with recurrent miscarriages to regain access to acupuncture, leading to healthier outcomes and successful births. Today, many of those mothers are returning for treatment as they try for their second babies.
Why Choose Acupuncture for Pregnancy?
- Safe and natural support for fertility, miscarriage prevention, and pregnancy symptoms
- Proven effectiveness backed by clinical research
- Personalized treatments based on TCM diagnosis
- Collaborative approach with physicians and fertility specialists
Book Your Appointment
If you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or have a history of miscarriage, acupuncture can support your journey toward a healthy pregnancy and baby.
📞 Phone: (204) 788-5715
📠 Fax: (204) 202-8947
👩⚕️ Practitioner: Dr. Priscilla Kerr, TCM Doctor & Licensed Acupuncturist