22 Sep 2026
By: Yi TCM Admin
While some pregnant women may consider the second trimester the best part of their pregnancy, especially when morning sickness and fatigue are no longer problems, others may have different (and less pleasant) experiences altogether. TCM-based acupuncture may offer a holistic approach to support your journey throughout the second trimester.
The second trimester is often considered a turning point. Some women report that they feel much better and less anxious while looking and feeling more pregnant, especially as the uterus steadily grows to make room for the baby. Other women have also shared that they feel more energetic and lively, though some may still experience lower back pain, mild contractions that come and go, and various hormonal changes affecting their bodies.
Every woman will have a wholly unique experience during the second trimester, with some good and bad days. This phase will cause a host of significant changes to your body, which may include:
The foetus also undergoes many changes, as this is the phase when development continues. During this period, many of the baby’s physical features will become more defined, especially when facial features slowly align into position.
Around 20 weeks into the pregnancy, you may also feel the foetus move for the first time, a phenomenon known as “quickening”. It usually starts at an irregular rate before slowly becoming more consistent over time. The final few weeks may also see the development of the baby’s hearing, allowing them to hear you and respond with minimal movement.
Acupuncture is a TCM technique that places fine, sterile needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points (or acupoints) on the body. These points are typically associated with meridians, which TCM believes are pathways through which vital energy, or Qi, circulates throughout the body. Anything that causes an imbalance or blocks the flow of Qi could contribute to poor health and various changes.
According to TCM, disruptions in Qi and blood flow during pregnancy may contribute to increased discomfort and other symptoms of concern. Addressing these concerns requires a TCM practitioner to carefully conduct an examination to determine your current health and identify blockages or imbalances causing discomfort and other complications. The assessment allows the physician to determine the specific points to be targeted for acupuncture to alleviate discomfort and other issues, while avoiding other acupoints that are traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy.
Acupuncture may support your general well-being during the second trimester in various ways.
If you are still coping with morning sickness, acupuncture may help to relieve nausea, vomiting, and other discomforts you may be experiencing. According to TCM, it is believed that a Qi deficiency or stagnation impedes vital energy flow that then results in nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. Acupuncture may target key points, such as the Neiguan (PC 6) acupoint, which helps regulate Qi flow in the Chong meridian.
A Qi deficiency in the liver and kidney is what TCM views as the reason behind back and pelvic pain in pregnant women. As the foetus grows, pregnant women need more nutrients, like calcium and phosphorus, to support both their and the baby’s nourishment and well-being. This growth can slowly take a physical toll on your body, coupled with poor Qi circulation, which increases the risk and potentially severity of back and pelvic pain. The TCM physician may target points such as Zusanli (ST 36) Baihui (GV 20) to help tonify and nourish Qi levels, which may help relieve pain and discomfort.
Promoting relaxation helps to keep stress and anxiety at bay, both of which are known to adversely impact Qi circulation in the body. Stress could come from various sources, and lingering stress may weaken your immune system and potentially affect the baby’s health. Studies have indicated that acupuncture may stimulate the release of endorphins, which help your body to relieve pain and improve your mood. In turn, this helps to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety while helping you feel calm and relaxed.
Additionally, acupuncture may calm your nervous system thanks to its stimulation of endorphins to keep you feeling relaxed. In addition to stress relief, it may also support better sleep quality, help regulate your sleep patterns, and allow you to replenish your energy after a good night’s rest.
With the support of a qualified TCM physician, acupuncture may support your general well-being during the second trimester. The physician will provide details of their treatment plan during consultation and will also point out that certain acupoints will be avoided for your safety. Acupoints are stimulated to achieve different effects to relieve specific complications or symptoms, but not all acupoints are the same.
For example, the acupoint Hegu (LI 4) is often targeted to alleviate pain and remedy Qi stagnation in various conditions. However, it is traditionally avoided during pregnancy (especially for pregnant women in their second trimester), as it may promote strong Qi movement and induce labour.
It is vital that a TCM physician possesses the qualifications and expertise needed to assess your overall condition, history, and specific needs, as well as provide TCM treatment that supports your well-being during the second trimester. They will be able to determine which acupoints are safe and which ones should be avoided, based on a meticulous understanding of your body’s varied processes.
If you are looking for TCM treatments for your journey towards motherhood, or if you are interested in supporting your general health, Yi TCM is ready to assist. Contact us today to find out more about our available TCM treatments, including TCM for women’s health.
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References
McDonald, J. L. (2025). Efficacy, Safety and Mechanisms of Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture for Pain: A Narrative Review. Medical Research Archives, [online] 13(8). https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v13i8.6871
Pai, M. Y. B., Hohl, A., Souza, L. R. C., Mendes, M. V., Sampaio, L. C. S., & Tsai, A. W. W. (2023). Acupuncture for pregnancy-related pain in the lower back and posterior pelvic girdle. Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992), 69(suppl 1), e2023S101. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.2023S101
Pan, D., Pan, Y., Wang, X., Wang, H., Lyu, Y., & Yang, P. (2025). The application of acupuncture in the management of neuropathic orofacial pain: a narrative literature review. Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, 39(3), 27–37. https://doi.org/10.22514/jofph.2025.044
