What Is Perinatal Acupuncture?

Perinatal acupuncture refers to acupuncture treatment provided during the perinatal period, which includes pregnancy (prenatal) and the period following birth (postpartum). It is a safe and evidence-informed approach to supporting the significant physical and hormonal changes that occur during this time, and is used to address a wide range of pregnancy-related symptoms and postpartum recovery needs.

All perinatal acupuncture at Physiolab is delivered by registered practitioners with specific training in prenatal and postpartum care.

During Pregnancy

Acupuncture is commonly used during pregnancy for:

  • Morning sickness and nausea (particularly in the first trimester)
  • Pelvic girdle pain and symphysis pubis dysfunction
  • Lower back and hip pain
  • Sciatica related to the growing uterus
  • Fatigue and sleep difficulties
  • Heartburn and digestive discomfort
  • Anxiety and emotional wellbeing
  • Labour preparation in the third trimester
  • Breech baby presentation (moxibustion technique)

Postpartum Recovery

After birth, acupuncture supports the body’s recovery and replenishment. It is used for postpartum fatigue and depletion, mood support including postnatal depression and anxiety, support for breastfeeding, mastitis, night sweats, and hormonal rebalancing. Perinatal acupuncture also works well alongside pelvic floor physiotherapy and postpartum massage therapy.

Safety During Pregnancy

Acupuncture during pregnancy is safe when performed by a trained and registered practitioner who understands which points are contraindicated during pregnancy. Your practitioner at Physiolab will screen carefully and adapt treatment at each stage of your pregnancy.

Book Perinatal Acupuncture in Vancouver

Available at Physiolab in Vancouver. Covered under many extended health plans. Contact us to learn more about perinatal care options.

Your body is doing something extraordinary. Give it the support it deserves.

Book perinatal acupuncture at Physiolab in Vancouver for expert care through pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Registered practitioners, direct billing available. Book today.

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What Our
Patients Say

★★★★★
Maria is a fantastic physiotherapist, I feel very fortunate to have found her. I started seeing her when I was pregnant and dealing with sciatica pain. She helped guide me through exercises and coping strategies to manage pregnancy aches and pains. She was a huge part of my support system during pregnancy and postpartum.
T
T I N A
★★★★★
I have been seeing Siam for a few months now through my second and third trimester of pregnancy for massage. She is highly skilled, intuitive, compassionate, and very professional. She not only gives a great deep tissue massage, but she also follows up with teaching and exercise homework to keep you moving well.
S
Sally Kupp
★★★★★
I've been seeing DaYe for acupuncture and cupping for years, and recommend her to everyone. I always feel like she understands my needs, and totally trust in her treatment plans. Plus, she gives helpful little TCM tips to try at home which I love.
R
Rachel Simrose
★★★★★
I went in for acupuncture with DaYe for back pain and arm/wrist pain from a typing-heavy desk job, and the treatment made a huge difference. She's clearly so skilled, intuitive, and really present in her work and has a way of making you feel completely at ease throughout.
J
Jen T.

FAQs

Common questions about perinatal acupuncture, what it treats during pregnancy and postpartum, and safety considerations in Vancouver.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Yes, when performed by a registered practitioner trained in perinatal acupuncture. Certain acupuncture points are avoided during pregnancy and your practitioner will screen carefully. It is important to choose someone with specific training in prenatal care.

What pregnancy symptoms can acupuncture help with?

Acupuncture during pregnancy is commonly used for nausea and morning sickness, pelvic and lower back pain, sciatica, fatigue, heartburn, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. In the third trimester it is also used for labour preparation and to encourage a breech baby to turn.

Can acupuncture help with postpartum recovery?

Yes. Postpartum acupuncture supports energy replenishment, hormonal rebalancing, mood stability, breastfeeding support, and recovery from the physical demands of birth and early motherhood.

Can acupuncture help with postnatal depression or anxiety?

Acupuncture can be a supportive complementary treatment for postnatal mood changes. It supports the nervous system and hormonal balance and works well alongside professional mental health support. Always speak with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing significant postnatal mood symptoms.

When in pregnancy can I start acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be used throughout all three trimesters with appropriate point selection. Many people start in the first trimester for nausea and continue throughout. Labour preparation acupuncture typically begins at 36 to 37 weeks.

Can acupuncture help turn a breech baby?

Moxibustion at the BL67 point is a traditional TCM technique used to encourage breech babies to turn. Some research supports its effectiveness between 33 and 36 weeks. Consult your midwife or OB before starting.

Is perinatal acupuncture covered by extended health insurance?

Many extended health plans in BC include acupuncture coverage that applies during pregnancy. Check your policy for details. Physiolab offers direct billing.

Does Physiolab offer other perinatal services?

Yes. Physiolab offers prenatal massage therapy, pelvic floor physiotherapy for both prenatal and postpartum care, and clinical Pilates. These services can be coordinated to provide comprehensive perinatal support.

Our
Locations

We are proud to serve multiple convenient locations, ensuring quality physiotherapy care is always within reach.