Acupuncture During Pregnancy: How It May Help and What to Expect

Pregnancy brings enormous changes to your body, and while it can be an exciting time, it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Nausea, back pain, disrupted sleep and tiredness can all affect daily life, sometimes making it difficult to go about your daily life.

Acupuncture is generally considered a safe option during pregnancy (Park et al., 2014). In my practice, I take time to understand what you are experiencing, looking at the bigger picture rather than focusing on a single symptom. In this article, I'll explain how acupuncture may help with some common pregnancy-related symptoms, such as nausea and lower back pain, and what you can expect from a treatment.

Can acupuncture help with nausea during pregnancy?

Nausea and vomiting, often called morning sickness, are common in early pregnancy, with up to 70% of women experiencing some form of morning sickness. Symptoms can occur at any time of day, and for some women, feeling sick can make even everyday activities feel difficult.

People often ask me whether acupuncture can help with nausea during pregnancy. The honest answer is that there is some evidence that acupuncture may help (Smith et al., 2002), and I find that it often does, but I can't guarantee how you will respond. Everyone is different, and it's important to find an approach that feels right for you and your circumstances.

One thing I can promise is that there will always be a bowl close at hand, just in case!

If you come to me with nausea during pregnancy, I'll take time to understand how you're feeling and how your symptoms are affecting your everyday life. I'll ask about things like your sleep, appetite and digestion, as well as when the nausea tends to occur and what you've already tried. I'll also pay attention to physical signs, such as your complexion and pulse. In Chinese medicine, these details help me build a fuller picture of your health and guide my diagnosis and choice of acupuncture points.

Depending on your circumstances, I may suggest simple lifestyle measures that could help you manage your symptoms, such as eating little and often and exploring whether certain foods or drinks help you feel better. For example, ginger may help some women with pregnancy sickness, although it's worth checking with your midwife or pharmacist before trying herbal remedies or supplements.

I'll select acupuncture points carefully, taking account of your symptoms and stage of pregnancy. From a Chinese medicine perspective, treatment is tailored to the individual rather than following the same approach for everyone.

It is important not to struggle through severe pregnancy sickness alone. If you cannot keep fluids down, are passing very little urine, feel faint or are losing weight, contact your midwife, GP or NHS 111 promptly. Severe pregnancy sickness may require medical treatment, and acupuncture should never delay this.

Can acupuncture help with lower back pain during pregnancy?

As pregnancy progresses, changes in posture, increased physical demands and the softening of ligaments can place additional strain on the lower back and pelvis. You might notice an ache after sitting or standing for a long time, discomfort when turning over in bed, or pain that makes walking and everyday tasks more difficult.

Some research suggests acupuncture may help reduce pregnancy-related lower back or pelvic pain (Pai et al., (2023), and it is thought to a valuable option for pregnant women who seek a safe and effective non pharmacological intervention.

During a consultation, I will ask about the nature of your pain, when it began and how it affects you. This helps me understand your circumstances and consider whether acupuncture may be appropriate. Treatment is tailored to you, taking account of your stage of pregnancy, symptoms and general health.

Acupuncture can sit alongside appropriate maternity care and other recommended support.

What happens during a pregnancy acupuncture appointment?

If you have never had acupuncture before, it is natural to have questions about what to expect. Your first appointment begins with a conversation about your health, your pregnancy, the symptoms you are experiencing and what you hope to get from treatment. I take time to understand the wider picture, including how you are sleeping, how you feel in yourself and how pregnancy is affecting your everyday life.

I then explain the proposed treatment and answer any questions before we begin. Acupuncture uses very fine, single-use needles, which are inserted at selected points on the body. You may feel a brief sensation as a needle is inserted, but treatment should not feel uncomfortable.

Your comfort is particularly important during pregnancy and I am happy to adapt your position to help you feel supported. For example you may prefer side-lying or a semi-reclined position. I use pregnancy-appropriate treatment choices and take relevant precautions following a thorough assessment. And as I said before, I always make sure I have a bowl on hand for my pregnant women.

My clinic is a quiet, unhurried space where there is time to talk, ask questions and settle into treatment. You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what you need. Part of my role is to listen, understand your concerns and work with you to decide on an appropriate approach.

When can I have acupuncture during pregnancy?

Whether acupuncture is right for you will depend on your circumstances. Some women start in the first few weeks of pregnancy because they're struggling with nausea. Others come in the weeks before their due date, having heard that acupuncture may help prepare them for labour. There is no single right time to come, just when you feel you need some extra support.

Before treatment, it is important to discuss any pregnancy complications or concerns, and any advice you have received from your midwife or medical team. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, or you have symptoms that need medical assessment, further advice may be needed before proceeding.

The number of appointments will depend on your needs and how you respond. We can review your progress together and discuss whether further treatment is appropriate. There is no need to commit to a course of sessions before we have discussed your situation.

Exploring acupuncture during your pregnancy

Supporting women through pregnancy is something I feel particularly drawn to. My own experience of acupuncture began in the final trimester of my second pregnancy. It was when I returned later for treatment for sore shoulders that I began to appreciate more fully what acupuncture could offer me. You can read more about my experience on my About Me page.

Pregnancy can be a time of enormous change, both physically and emotionally. Alongside the excitement and anticipation, there can be discomfort, uncertainty and days when you're simply exhausted. I feel privileged to be able to offer women some space to talk, be listened to and explore whether acupuncture might help them through this time.

If you're experiencing nausea, back pain or other pregnancy-related symptoms, you're welcome to call, WhatsApp or email me to discuss whether acupuncture might be appropriate for you. I practise in Headington, Oxford, and Thame.

Park J, Sohn Y, White AR, Lee H. "The Safety of Acupuncture during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review." Acupuncture in Medicine. (2014) Vol 32(3):257-266. doi:10.1136/acupmed-2013-010480

Smith C, Crowther C, Beilby J. "Acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial." Birth. (2002) Vol 29(1):1-9. doi:10.1046/j.1523-536x.2002.00149.x

Pai, Marcus Yu Bin et al. “Acupuncture for pregnancy-related pain in the lower back and posterior pelvic girdle.” Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992) vol. 69,suppl 1 e2023S101. 4 Aug. 2023, doi:10.1590/1806-9282.2023S101

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If you're ready to book an appointment, or would like a free 15 minute phone call to decide if acupuncture is right for you, please get in touch, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

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