The prevenance of depression is on the rise, and women who are pregnant may not be able to pharmaceuticals.  Their OB/GYN’s may not be educated about the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy. At Newport Wellness Group, we understand how difficult it can be to cope with depression while pregnant, especially when options feel limited. Located in Newport Beach, we serve Newport Coast and all of Southern California, providing acupuncture as a safe, effective solutions to help expecting mothers feel better. Wondering if this could be the right step for you? Depression During Pregnancy: You're Not Alone Depression isn’t rare during pregnancy. Actually, it’s incredibly common. Studies show that between 3.5% and 11% of pregnant women experience major depressive disorder. Hormonal changes, physical stress, emotional strain—all these factors make depression during pregnancy a reality for many. Medications can be risky, which leaves many women searching for alternatives. That's where we come in—acupuncture offers an effective, safe way to manage those tough emotions. How Acupuncture Helps Depression Why acupuncture? At Newport Wellness Group, we focus on acupuncture—a scientifically-backed way to help ease depression symptoms without medication. A recent study found that tailored acupuncture for depression provided relief for 69% of pregnant women—a response rate similar to what you’d see with medication but without the risk. Acupuncture works by targeting points on the body that trigger the release of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin. It’s not just about needles—it’s about using your body’s own healing abilities to lift your mood. How would it feel to manage depression without worrying about your baby’s health? Safe, Effective, and Comforting The biggest reason to choose acupuncture? Safety. At Newport Wellness Group, we offer an approach to treating depression that won’t leave you anxious about side effects or risks to your unborn baby. The treatment focuses on your well-being—acupuncture is gentle and without side-effects, making it a solid choice for mothers-to-be who want to feel better and reduce the transfer of stress to their developing babies. Our goal is to help you feel your better and bring a little bit of peace of mind during your pregnancy journey. What to Expect in Treatment At Newport Wellness Group, our acupuncture sessions are tailored specifically to your needs. Dr. Shohre Mehvar, OMD, LAc, and Dr. Shabnam Pourhassani, DACM, LAc, QME, FABORM, personalize each session to target your specific symptoms. We work on the points that help balance your mood, ease anxiety, and improve energy levels. Sessions are designed to be comfortable and supportive—most patients find the process calming, and some even fall asleep during treatment. Imagine leaving your session feeling lighter, more at peace—how would that change your day? Results You Can Feel Does acupuncture really make a difference? Yes. Pregnant women who received acupuncture specifically targeted at depression in a recent study reported a significant drop in their symptoms. Mood improved. Sleep improved. Negative thoughts became less frequent. At Newport Wellness Group, our patients from Newport Coast and beyond often notice changes within the first few weeks. Things that once felt impossible—getting through the day without crying or feeling hopeless—start to become manageable. You deserve to feel better, and acupuncture could be the key. No Medication? No Problem. One of the biggest barriers to treating depression during pregnancy is the fear of medications. Antidepressants can come with risks—ones that many mothers-to-be just aren’t willing to take. But depression doesn’t have to be faced alone, and it doesn’t need medication to be treated effectively. Acupuncture provides an alternative—a way to feel like yourself again without the pills. Imagine taking back control of your emotions—without the fear of side effects. Personalized Care Depression isn’t the same for everyone. Your journey is unique, and so is your treatment. At Newport Wellness Group, we believe in personalized care. Dr. Mehvar and Dr. Pourhassani bring extensive training and compassion to every session, ensuring that your treatment evolves with you as your needs change. We listen, we adjust, and we make sure that what we’re doing is what’s best for you. Could a personalized plan be what makes the difference? Preventing Future Depression Treating depression now doesn’t just help today. It helps tomorrow, too. Depression during pregnancy can increase the risk of postpartum depression, but addressing it now—through acupuncture—can reduce that risk significantly. We see acupuncture as not just a treatment for your current symptoms but also as a preventative measure, ensuring you step into motherhood feeling stronger and more stable. At Newport Wellness Group, we’re here for the entire journey—from pregnancy through postpartum. Relief Without the Risks Depression during pregnancy can make you feel isolated, but you’re not alone. At Newport Wellness Group, we’re committed to providing a safe, effective way to help you manage depression without risking your baby's health. Located in Newport Beach, we serve patients from Newport Coast and across Southern California, offering acupuncture services that bring real relief. No drugs. No risks. Just natural, compassionate care. Ready to see how acupuncture could make your pregnancy better? Depression during pregnancy is difficult, but there is hope. At Newport Wellness Group, we offer a safe and effective acupuncture treatment to help expecting mothers in Newport Coast and the surrounding areas find relief. You deserve to enjoy your pregnancy, to feel hopeful instead of overwhelmed. If you’re looking for a safe, medication-free solution, acupuncture may be the answer. Reach out to us today—let’s work together to help you feel better, naturally. In California, patients do not need a referral from an MD to consult with an acupuncturists. Medical doctors have not received education about acupuncture during medical school or residency. Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prospective patients must have consultations with one of our acupuncturists who will deem if acupuncture is recommended.