Pregnancy Acupuncture

Pregnancy acupuncture in Islington N1 – for morning sickness, back and pelvic pain, headaches, breech presentation and pre-birth support. Our team of acupuncturists are all registered with the British Acupuncture Council, which ensures members complete at least 3 years degree level training and follow a strict code of clinical safe practice.

 

Acupuncture for Pregnancy related Nausea and Vomiting

We have found acupuncture to be most useful for women experiencing mild to moderate nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Acupuncture can help reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms. It requires regular treatments for best results. There are positive research findings for the use of acupuncture for pregnancy related nausea and vomiting, and it is offered in some NHS settings.

Acupuncture for Headaches and Body Pain

NICE recommends considering a course of acupuncture to help prevent chronic tension-type headaches and migraines. Because many painkillers aren’t advised in pregnancy, it can be a useful drug-free option. Check with your midwife or GP about any new or severe headache first.

Body pains are common in pregnancy, particularly in the later stages. In our experience, acupuncture can make a real difference in the management of pregnancy related back and groin pain, leg cramps and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Acupuncture for Pregnancy related Digestive problems

It’s common for women to experience digestive changes, particularly constipation and haemorrhoids during pregnancy. Acupuncture and dietary recommendations can be effective for alleviating many gastrointestinal problems.

What happens during a pregnancy acupuncture appointment

Your first appointment

Your practitioner will ask how many weeks pregnant you are, how your pregnancy has gone so far and what you’d like help with. They’ll also ask about your general health, any medication or supplements, and whether you have experienced any complications during pregnancy.

Points are chosen for your stage of pregnancy. Some points traditionally avoided in pregnancy are left out. Your practitioner will explain what they plan to do and why before starting. From some point in the second trimester (depending on the size of your bump), you’ll be treated lying on your side, comfortably supported with pillows.

Fine, single-use sterile needles are placed at selected points. These are often on the lower legs, feet, hands, back or ears. You’ll feel a brief pinprick, then usually a dull ache, warmth or tingling around the needle. It shouldn’t be sharp or distressing. If it is, tell your practitioner straight away. The needles stay in for around 20–30 minutes while you rest.

Your practitioner may suggest simple things to try at home, such as acupressure on the P6 wrist point for nausea, or positions that ease pelvic pain. They’ll also agree with you how often to come back.

How often you’ll come

• Pregnancy sickness: Usually one or two sessions a week to begin with, reducing as symptoms ease.
• Back, pelvic or other pain: Usually weekly for a few weeks, then reviewed.
• Pre-birth sessions: Usually weekly from 36 or 37 weeks. After 40 weeks, more frequent sessions are often offered, such as on consecutive days or every other day.
• Breech position: A short course of acupuncture and moxibustion from around 34 weeks, with moxa sticks to use at home. Always discuss this with your midwife.

After your session

Most women feel relaxed or a little sleepy afterwards. Minor bruising or soreness where a needle went in can happen and soon passes.

When to contact your midwife instead

Acupuncture supports your antenatal care but doesn’t replace it. Contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away, rather than booking a session, if you have any of the following:

• vaginal bleeding
• leaking fluid
• reduced or changed baby movements
• severe or persistent headache or vision changes
• sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
• severe tummy pain
• vomiting so severe that you can’t keep fluids down

Preparation for labour and pre-birth acupuncture

Our pre-birth sessions follow protocols widely used internationally by acupuncturists and midwives. The aim is to help you feel relaxed and physically prepared for labour. Each member of the team at Islington Acupuncture is skilled at helping clients relax and manage the physical and mental stress that can be associated with this stage of pregnancy.

We recommend that women approaching labour come to see us from week 36 or 37 in order to help release tension and reduce counterproductive feelings of anxiety. Other pregnancy related conditions can be addressed, such as back and leg pain, and insomnia..

Acupuncture with the aim of helping to induce natural labour is used when women are post 40 weeks. In these cases higher frequency treatments are advised: three conducted over consecutive days, or every other day.

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Pregnancy Acupuncture FAQs

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

When carried out by a fully trained, BAcC-registered practitioner, acupuncture is well tolerated throughout pregnancy. Our acupuncture team use pregnancy safe point selections.

Can acupuncture help with morning sickness?

A 2024 systematic review (Jin et al.) looked at 24 trials involving 2,390 women. Acupuncture combined with standard medical care reduced nausea and vomiting more than standard care alone. Used on its own, acupuncture worked about as well as standard medication.

What about back and pelvic pain (SPD/PGP)?

A 2022 systematic review in BMJ Open (Yang et al.) pooled 10 randomised trials involving 1,040 pregnant women with low back or pelvic pain. Acupuncture was linked to less pain and better physical function and quality of life, with no serious side effects for mother or baby. The authors noted that the trials varied in quality and that larger studies are needed. However, the findings are encouraging.

Can acupuncture turn a breech baby?

Some women use moxibustion (a heat therapy often paired with acupuncture) from around 34 weeks to encourage a baby to turn from breech position. Evidence is promising but not conclusive, so this is usually offered alongside, not instead of, your midwife or consultant’s guidance.

When in pregnancy can I start acupuncture?

Many women have acupuncture throughout pregnancy, from the first trimester onward, for concerns such as nausea, fatigue or anxiety. Your practitioner will tailor point selection to your stage of pregnancy.