Nausea
A frequent complaint in early pregnancy. Acupuncture is one of the gentle, drug-free approaches some people find supportive for pregnancy-related nausea.
Antenatal Acupuncture
Antenatal acupuncture is a gentle complementary therapy that can help you manage some of the common discomforts of pregnancy, from nausea and headaches to backache, anxiety and fatigue. Our sessions are carried out by qualified practitioners with expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine, alongside our wider midwifery team.
Available atLPC City (E1)
What is antenatal acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in which very fine, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body. During pregnancy, it is used as a complementary therapy — something offered alongside, and never instead of, your usual antenatal care with your midwife or doctor.
At London Pregnancy Clinic, antenatal acupuncture is delivered by qualified practitioners experienced in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sessions are tailored to how you are feeling and to the stage of pregnancy you have reached, with the aim of helping you feel more comfortable and settled as your pregnancy progresses.
What antenatal acupuncture may help with
Acupuncture is often used to ease some of the common, everyday discomforts of pregnancy. Whether it is right for you depends on your individual circumstances — our practitioners will talk this through with you at your appointment.
Headaches
Hormonal changes and tension can bring on headaches during pregnancy. Sessions aim to help you relax and ease this discomfort.
Backache
As your bump grows, back and pelvic discomfort are common. Acupuncture is often used as part of a wider approach to managing everyday aches.
Anxiety
Pregnancy can be an emotional time. Many people value acupuncture simply as a calm, quiet space to slow down and reduce stress.
Fatigue
Tiredness is very common, particularly in the first and third trimesters. Sessions are designed to leave you feeling more rested.
Labour preparation
From week 37, acupuncture is used to help prepare the body for labour, encourage natural labour and reduce stress ahead of the birth.
Acupuncture for labour preparation
From around week 37 of pregnancy, some people choose a course of acupuncture specifically to help prepare for labour. At this stage, the aim is to support your body in the run-up to birth, to encourage labour to begin naturally, and to help reduce stress as your due date approaches.
In the final weeks, labour-preparation acupuncture is generally used to:
- Help prepare the body for labour from week 37 onwards
- Encourage labour to begin naturally, in its own time
- Support relaxation and help reduce stress before the birth
Labour-preparation sessions are usually spread over the final weeks of pregnancy, and our practitioners will explain a suitable pattern of appointments when you get in touch. As with any element of your birth planning, it is worth discussing your plans with your midwife so acupuncture fits comfortably around your wider care.
Good to know
A few practical details that apply across our midwifery appointments, including antenatal acupuncture:
- Appointments are available online (Zoom or telephone) or face-to-face at our clinics.
- Same-day (phone or online) and weekend appointments are available.
- We are a 5-star rated service on Google, Trustpilot and Doctify.
- We work with insurance companies — get in touch to enquire about cover.
- We have clinics in the City (Spitalfields, 36 Spital Square) and West London (Chelsea).
What to expect at your appointment
Your practitioner will begin by asking about your pregnancy, your general health and what you would most like help with. This helps them tailor the session to you and check that acupuncture is appropriate at this stage of your pregnancy.
During treatment, very fine needles are placed at selected points and are usually left in place for a short time while you rest. Most people find the experience relaxing. If anything feels uncomfortable at any point, you can let your practitioner know straight away.
It is helpful to bring along any relevant information from your maternity team, and to let your practitioner know about any medication you are taking or conditions you have. If you are unsure whether acupuncture is suitable for you, please raise it with your midwife or doctor before booking.
Antenatal acupuncture — your questions answered
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Acupuncture during pregnancy is generally considered a low-risk complementary therapy when it is carried out by a suitably qualified and experienced practitioner, as it is at London Pregnancy Clinic. Certain points are avoided or used with care at particular stages of pregnancy, which is why seeing an experienced practitioner matters.
Acupuncture is not a substitute for your antenatal care, and it is not used to treat medical complications. If you have an underlying health condition, a high-risk pregnancy, or any specific concern, please discuss whether acupuncture is appropriate for you with your midwife or doctor before your appointment.
When can I start antenatal acupuncture?
People choose acupuncture at different stages for different reasons. Some seek it early in pregnancy for support with nausea or fatigue, while others start later for backache or general wellbeing.
Acupuncture aimed specifically at preparing for labour is generally used from around week 37 onwards. If you are interested in labour preparation, getting in touch a few weeks beforehand gives you the most flexibility over timing.
Does antenatal acupuncture hurt?
The needles used in acupuncture are very fine — much finer than those used for injections or blood tests. Most people feel little more than a small sensation as each needle is placed, and many find the session itself deeply relaxing.
If anything feels uncomfortable during your appointment, tell your practitioner straight away so they can adjust. Your comfort throughout the session is the priority.
Can acupuncture bring on labour?
From week 37, acupuncture is sometimes used with the aim of helping the body prepare for labour and encouraging labour to begin naturally. It is used as a gentle form of support rather than a guaranteed way to start labour, and every pregnancy is different.
If you are past your due date or considering options to encourage labour, it is important to discuss this with your midwife or maternity unit, who can advise on what is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
How do I book antenatal acupuncture?
Antenatal acupuncture is arranged by enquiry rather than online booking. You can get in touch through our contact page, call us on 020 3687 2939, or message us on WhatsApp, and our team will help you find a suitable appointment.
Appointments can be offered face-to-face at our City or West London clinics, and we also offer same-day and weekend availability where possible.
Can I combine acupuncture with other midwifery services?
Yes. Many people combine acupuncture with other elements of their maternity care, such as a midwife appointment, birth planning, or antenatal osteopathy. Our midwifery team can help you put together support that suits your pregnancy.
If you are exploring several options, mention this when you enquire and we can talk you through how they might fit together around your existing antenatal care.
Contact
Enquire about antenatal acupuncture
Sources & clinical references
The figures and clinical statements on this page are drawn from the sources below. Guidance evolves — always discuss your individual circumstances with a clinician.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)Antenatal care (NICE guideline NG201) — management of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy2021
- Tommy'sCan anything bring labour on?
- Cochrane Database of Systematic ReviewsAcupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour2017
- Cochrane Database of Systematic ReviewsInterventions for preventing and treating low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy2015
- CochraneInterventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy2015