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 Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, 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 (TCM), prenatal acupuncture is a gentle, evidence-informed way to care for your body, balance your emotions, and prepare 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 treatments in early pregnancy (weekly or biweekly) can help support you through:
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Emotional ups and downs
Nutritional support
Threatened miscarriage support
Every pregnancy is unique. At Root To Rise, our acupuncturists take time to listen closely and create a treatment plan that meets you exactly where you are. The 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 in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, Maine benefit from “monthly tune-ups” or as-needed visits for:
Exhaustion
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 preparing for labor and postpartum recovery - and 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 emotional well-being
Ease swelling, constipation, hemorrhoids, and muscle tension
Encourage a smoother, more efficient labor process
These sessions are not 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, 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
Emotional processing and mental health support
Fatigue and sleep challenges
Pain management
Lactation support
There’s no single “right” way to feel postpartum. At Root To Rise, we’re here to hold space for your experience, offering gentle, ongoing support to help you feel resourced, restored, and cared for in this next chapter.
Written By Carole Wyche, Lic. Ac., MAOM — Acupuncturist at Root To Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health in Scarborough, Maine
Acupuncture in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, Maine
Our acupuncture team integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine with a deep understanding of pregnancy and postpartum care. Whether you’re navigating early pregnancy symptoms, preparing for labor, or seeking support in recovery, Root To Rise offers a nurturing environment to help your body and mind find balance.
We proudly serve clients throughout Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, Maine, providing acupuncture, pelvic floor therapy, and integrative postpartum care for every stage of motherhood.
Root To Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health
Offering Acupuncture, Pelvic Floor Therapy, and holistic perinatal care in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, Maine
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!
