Supporting you throughout pregnancy
Pregnancy is an extraordinary time. Over the course of nine months, your body adapts continuously to support the growth and development of your baby. While these changes are entirely natural, they can also bring new physical and emotional challenges, many of which can have a significant impact on day-to-day life.
Every pregnancy is different. Some women experience very few symptoms, while others find that nausea, fatigue, pain or anxiety become part of everyday life. Even within the same pregnancy, one trimester can feel completely different from the next.
Acupuncture offers gentle, personalised support throughout pregnancy, with treatment adapting as your body and your needs change. Whether you're looking for relief from a specific symptom or simply want additional support during your pregnancy, treatment is always tailored to you and works alongside the care you receive from your midwife and obstetric team.
How acupuncture can support you through every stage of pregnancy
Pregnancy evolves from one trimester to the next, and so does acupuncture treatment.
Research into acupuncture during pregnancy has grown considerably over the past two decades. The strongest evidence currently supports its use for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, including morning sickness, as well as pelvic girdle and lower back pain. There is also growing evidence suggesting acupuncture supports sleep, emotional wellbeing and quality of life during pregnancy.
First trimester
Nausea and vomiting
Hyperemesis gravidarum (alongside appropriate medical care)
Fatigue
Headaches and migraines
Anxiety and emotional wellbeing
Pregnancy after fertility treatment (including IVF)
Anxiety following previous pregnancy loss
Bloating and constipation
Dizziness
Second trimester
Pelvic girdle pain
Lower back pain
Sciatica
Round ligament pain
Neck and shoulder tension
Heartburn and reflux
Constipation
Haemorrhoids
Leg cramps
Sleep difficulties
Rib discomfort
Stress and anxiety
Third trimester
Pelvic girdle pain
Lower back pain
Sciatica
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Oedema (swelling)
Rib discomfort
Sleep disturbance
Restless legs
Breathlessness
Anxiety about birth
Breech presentation (using moxibustion where appropriate)
Birth preparation from around 36–37 weeks
Treatments from term onwards where appropriate
A Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, pregnancy is viewed as a remarkable period of growth, adaptation and nourishment. As your baby develops, your body continually adjusts to support new life, and treatment evolves alongside those changes.
Rather than focusing on one symptom in isolation, acupuncture considers your health as a whole. Fatigue, digestive changes, pain, sleep and emotional wellbeing are often closely connected, and treatment aims to support your body's natural ability to adapt throughout pregnancy while helping you feel as well as possible.
My approach
Supporting women throughout pregnancy is one of the areas I feel most passionate about. Alongside my acupuncture degree, I have completed extensive postgraduate training in pregnancy acupuncture and women's health, including pregnancy care, breech presentation and birth preparation. I continue to build on this through ongoing professional development, specialist reading and regular study of the latest research.
Whether I see you early in pregnancy or in the final weeks before birth, treatment is always adapted to your stage of pregnancy, your symptoms and your individual circumstances. We'll discuss your health, your pregnancy so far, any previous pregnancies where relevant, and what feels most important to you.
My aim is to create a calm, reassuring space where you feel listened to throughout your pregnancy, whether you're seeking support for a specific symptom or simply looking after your wellbeing as your pregnancy progresses.
Alongside acupuncture, I may also discuss simple dietary and lifestyle recommendations where appropriate. These are always tailored to the individual and are intended to complement conventional maternity care.
Frequently asked questions
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When provided by a suitably trained practitioner, acupuncture is considered safe during pregnancy. Treatment is always adapted to your stage of pregnancy, and point selection is carefully chosen accordingly.
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Yes. Many women seek acupuncture during the first trimester for nausea, fatigue, headaches or emotional support, particularly after fertility treatment or previous pregnancy loss. Treatment is always adapted to your individual pregnancy and medical history.
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Yes. Morning sickness is one of the most common reasons women seek acupuncture during pregnancy, and it's also one of the areas where the research is strongest. Some women notice a difference after one or two treatments, while others benefit from a short course of treatment. As always, every pregnancy is different, and acupuncture works alongside any advice or treatment recommended by your maternity team.
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Not at all. Your comfort is always a priority.
As pregnancy progresses, lying flat on your back often becomes uncomfortable and is generally not recommended for prolonged periods. Depending on your stage of pregnancy and what feels best for you, treatment can be carried out lying on your side, seated, or comfortably supported in a semi-reclined position, similar to those often used in prenatal yoga classes.
We'll always find the position that feels safest and most comfortable for you.
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Moxibustion, a traditional warming technique using mugwort, is commonly used from around 36 weeks where a baby remains breech. Your suitability will depend on your individual pregnancy, and treatment is always discussed alongside your maternity team.
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Birth preparation treatments commonly begin around 36–37 weeks of pregnancy, although this always depends on your individual circumstances, your birth preferences and any advice from your maternity team.
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Absolutely. Many women choose to continue acupuncture throughout pregnancy following IVF or assisted conception. Treatment is always adapted to each stage of pregnancy and your individual needs.
Whether you're navigating the early weeks of pregnancy, preparing for birth or looking for relief from a specific symptom, I'd be happy to support you throughout your pregnancy.