Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, and you deserve care that feels safe, calm, and supportive. As a licensed acupuncturist with advanced training in perinatal care, and a mom of two myself, I focus on helping people feel their best throughout pregnancy and beyond. Acupuncture is a gentle, natural way to support your body and mind through all three trimesters, and every treatment is tailored to where you are in your pregnancy. Your comfort always comes first, with supportive positioning and a quiet, unhurried space to rest.
Keep Reading ↓
✷ Acupuncture through the trimesters
✷ What to expect during your appointment
✷ Frequently asked questions
✷ Perinatal resources
Acupuncture during Pregnancy
Support Through the Trimesters
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First Trimester
Early pregnancy can sometimes bring nausea, fatigue, and a lot of new emotions. Acupuncture offers gentle support to help ease these symptoms and calm your nervous system as your body adjusts.
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Second Trimester
As your body grows and changes, you may notice new aches like back or hip pain, headaches, heartburn, or trouble sleeping. Treatment during this stage focuses on keeping you comfortable and feeling your best.
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Third Trimester
In the final weeks, we shift toward preparing your body for birth, with support for swelling, rest, and relaxation. If your baby is breech, we can also use moxibustion to help encourage them to turn head-down.
What to expect during your appointment
Each appointment begins with a check-in about how your pregnancy is going and how you’re feeling that day. At your first visit, we’ll also go over a detailed health intake, and you’ll receive a full treatment in the same session. Appointments last about 55 minutes total, with rest on the table occurring for 35-45 minutes.
Your comfort is a priority, so I’ll adjust the table to fit your needs that day. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, treatment can be done lying on your side, flat on your back, or at a gentle incline.
Throughout pregnancy, my approach stays gentle and supportive, focusing on healthy circulation to the uterus and relief from whatever symptoms you’re experiencing. I have extended training in pregnancy safety, which means certain points and techniques are avoided entirely until you’ve reached full term and your care team is comfortable with labor preparation. Even then, those treatments are kept gentle.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, when it’s done by a licensed acupuncturist trained in prenatal care. I have extended training in pregnancy safety and avoid certain points and techniques until you’ve reached full term and your care team is comfortable with labor preparation. Treatments are always gentle and tailored to where you are in your pregnancy.
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You can begin at any point in your pregnancy, including the first trimester. Many people find early support especially helpful for nausea, fatigue, and stress, but it’s never too late to start.
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Most people are surprised by how relaxing it is. The needles are very fine, about the width of a hair, and you may feel a light tap or a dull, heavy sensation when they’re placed. Many clients drift off to sleep during their rest time.
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That’s completely normal. We’ll go at your pace, and I can start with fewer needles or use gentle non-needle techniques like moxibustion or acupressure so you can get comfortable.
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Absolutely. Postpartum acupuncture can support recovery, sleep, mood, and milk supply, and I love continuing care with clients into the fourth trimester.
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It’s always a good idea to let your care team know you’re receiving acupuncture. I’m happy to communicate with your providers if that would be helpful.
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Common reasons people come in include nausea, fatigue, back and hip pain, headaches, heartburn, trouble sleeping, swelling, stress and anxiety, breech position, and preparing for birth. Many also come simply to feel supported and grounded during this season.
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Loose, comfortable clothing that can easily roll up past your knees and elbows. Plan to have a snack beforehand so you’re not coming in on an empty stomach.
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No, you’re welcome to book your first appointment online. If you have questions first, please reach out and we’ll find a time to talk ahead of time.
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I can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s worth checking your benefits ahead of time. HSA and FSA cards can often be used as well.
Perinatal Resources
I’m Elizabeth Fuqua, L.Ac., a nationally board-certified and Virginia-licensed acupuncturist with advanced training in pregnancy and postpartum care. As a mom of two, I know firsthand how demanding pregnancy can be, especially while balancing work, family, and everything else life asks of you. I try to make care simple and supportive for my pregnant clients, with practical tools and resources you can easily use at home. I’m also a member of A Brighter Birth, a collective of perinatal care providers serving Richmond-area families.