How Can I Incorporate Acupuncture During My Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, bringing both excitement and new challenges. Many women seek acupuncture to support their well-being through each trimester, from managing common pregnancy symptoms to preparing for labour and postnatal recovery. But how exactly can acupuncture help?

In this blog, we’ll explore the potential benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy.

First and Second Trimester: Managing Early Pregnancy Symptoms and General Wellbeing

Acupuncture is commonly used in early pregnancy to help manage symptoms such as:

Nausea and vomiting (Hyperemesis Gravidarum): Studies suggest acupuncture may help alleviate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. A systematic review published in 2024 (1) found that acupuncture significantly reduced pregnancy-related nausea compared to sham acupuncture or usual care.
Fatigue and low mood: One of the most researched benefits of Acupuncture lies in regulating our nervous system and promoting relaxation, which can be particularly helpful in addressing first-trimester fatigue and emotional fluctuations (2).
Musculoskeletal pain: Acupuncture may provide relief for back pain, pelvic pain, and headaches, which are common in pregnancy. Moderate evidence has been found supporting acupuncture for lower back and pelvic pain in pregnancy, with minimal side effects (3).

While many early pregnancy symptoms ease in the second trimester, acupuncture can still be beneficial for those experiencing ongoing discomfort or stress.

Third Trimester: Preparing for Labour

As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, acupuncture may help prepare your body for labour and delivery by:

Promoting cervical ripening: Some research suggests that acupuncture may encourage cervical softening, potentially reducing the likelihood of medical induction (4).
Shortening labour duration: There is evidence to suggest that women who received regular acupuncture in the third trimester experienced shorter labours and reduced need for pain relief (5) (6).
Managing anxiety and sleep disturbances: Acupuncture’s ability to regulate the autonomic nervous system may help reduce stress and improve sleep quality, both of which are important for a smooth labour experience.

Labour Induction: Can Acupuncture Help?

If you’ve passed your due date and are looking for natural ways to encourage labour, acupuncture may offer support. A short course of acupuncture (2-3 sessions within a week) may increase cervical readiness and uterine contractions, although results can vary among individuals. It’s important to discuss this option with your healthcare provider to ensure it is suitable for your pregnancy.

Breech Position: Turning Your Baby Naturally

Acupuncture, in combination with moxibustion (a heat therapy using mugwort), is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to encourage breech babies to turn head-down. A Cochrane review concluded that moxibustion at acupuncture point BL67 (on the little toe) may increase the likelihood of cephalic (head-down) presentation at birth (7). This technique is considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner and at the appropriate stage of pregnancy.

The Fourth Trimester: Postnatal Recovery

The postpartum period—also known as the fourth trimester—is a crucial time for recovery. In TCM, new mothers are encouraged to rest, replenish, and restore their energy. Acupuncture in this stage may help:

Assisting postpartum hormonal regulation, reducing mood swings or postpartum depression. Some studies suggest acupuncture may regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, supporting mental health (8).
Support lactation and milk supply, particularly for women experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding (9).
Aid physical recovery, including C-section healing through optimising blood flow and alleviating postnatal fatigue.

TCM also emphasises postnatal diet therapy, incorporating warm, nourishing foods to help replenish Qi (energy) and Blood after childbirth.

Your Pregnancy Journey: Individualised Support

Having worked in obstetric departments and attended numerous deliveries as a paediatric doctor, I understand that every pregnancy journey is unique. Whether you're seeking support for morning sickness, birth preparation, or postnatal recovery, acupuncture can be a valuable tool in promoting overall well-being.

At my clinic in South Croydon, I offer personalised acupuncture treatments to support you through pregnancy and beyond. If you’re based in Croydon, Surrey, Kent, or South London, and are interested in how acupuncture can complement your pregnancy care, feel free to get in touch.

Book a free discovery call today

References:

Jin, B., Han, Y., Jiang, Y., Zhang, J., Shen, W. and Zhang, Y., 2024. Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary therapies in medicine, p.103079. Jin, B., Han, Y., Jiang, Y., Zhang, J., Shen, W. and Zhang, Y., 2024. Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary therapies in medicine, p.103079.
Li, Y.W., Li, W., Wang, S.T., Gong, Y.N., Dou, B.M., Lyu, Z.X., Ulloa, L., Wang, S.J., Xu, Z.F. and Guo, Y., 2022. The autonomic nervous system: a potential link to the efficacy of acupuncture. Frontiers in neuroscience, 16, p.1038945.
Pennick, V. and Liddle, S.D., 2013. Interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8). Pennick, V. and Liddle, S.D., 2013. Interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8).
Smith, C.A., Armour, M. and Dahlen, H.G., 2017. Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10).
Carr, D. and Lythgoe, J., 2014. Use of acupuncture during labour. Pract Midwife, 17(5), pp.10-12.
Jones, L., Othman, M., Dowswell, T., Alfirevic, Z., Gates, S., Newburn, M., Jordan, S., Lavender, T. and Neilson, J.P., 2012. Pain management for women in labour: an overview of systematic reviews. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (3).
Coyle, M.E., Smith, C. and Peat, B., 2023. Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (5).
Tong, P., Dong, L.P., Yang, Y., Shi, Y.H., Sun, T. and Bo, P., 2019. Traditional Chinese acupuncture and postpartum depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, 82(9), pp.719-726.
Baker-Fox, C., Hayakawa, J., McCarty, R., Hart, M., Schomberg, J., Shamapant, S. and Bixby, C., 2024. East Meets West: Effect of Acupuncture on Lactation and Maternal Quality of Life. Breastfeeding Medicine, 19(4), pp.291-300.