Early Pregnancy to Postnatal Recovery
Pregnancy can be both exciting and demanding, with symptoms like nausea, back pain, anxiety, or disrupted sleep. Acupuncture offers a safe, natural way to ease discomfort and support your wellbeing at every stage. Each treatment is tailored to how you feel on the day, helping you stay comfortable, balanced, and supported as your body changes.
How Acupuncture May Help During Pregnancy
Relieves nausea and morning sickness
Reduces back, hip, and pelvic pain
Calms anxiety and emotional tension
Improves sleep quality and energy
Helps with headaches, heartburn, swelling, and sciatica
Encourages optimal baby positioning – gentle moxibustion may help turn breech babies naturally around week 34.
Is Acupuncture safe in Pregnancy?
Acupuncture during pregnancy is safe when provided by a qualified practitioner. Stacey is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) which is an accredited register with the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). The NHS recommends choosing a BAcC-registered acupuncturist to ensure safe, evidence-based care.
Acupuncture & Massage during Pregnancy
Acupuncture can support you at key stages during pregnancy:
1st Trimester
The early weeks of pregnancy can bring big hormonal changes, often accompanied by nausea, tiredness, and anxiety. Acupuncture provides gentle, safe support to help you feel more balanced and at ease.
Common reasons people seek treatment in the first trimester include:
- Nausea and morning sickness
- Fatigue and low energy
- Anxiety or emotional changes
- Headaches
- Supporting general wellbeing in early pregnancy
2nd & 3rd Trimesters
As your pregnancy progresses, physical symptoms such as back pain, pelvic discomfort, and disturbed sleep can appear. Acupuncture helps to relieve tension, ease discomfort, and support restful sleep.
You may also choose to combine acupuncture with massage for additional relaxation and symptom relief.
Common reasons for treatment in later pregnancy include:
- Back, hip, or pelvic pain
- Sciatica or swelling
- Insomnia and anxiety
- Heartburn or digestive discomfort
Moxibustion (Moxa) for Breech Presentation
Moxibustion (often called moxa) is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses gentle heat from a burning herb (Artemisia vulgaris, or mugwort) to stimulate acupuncture points.
When used around week 34 of pregnancy, moxibustion on the point Bladder 67 (at the outer corner of the little toe) may help encourage babies in the breech position to turn naturally.
This is a safe, non-invasive therapy that can be done in the clinic and continued at home with guidance. During your appointment, Stacey will demonstrate the correct technique, provide safety instructions, and supply moxa sticks if appropriate for home use.
Many women find moxibustion a relaxing and empowering way to support their pregnancy and prepare for birth.
Labour Preparation
In the final weeks of pregnancy, acupuncture can help your body prepare naturally for birth. Treatments focus on promoting relaxation, supporting optimal positioning, and encouraging the body’s readiness for labour.
Sessions are gentle and calming, providing time for you to rest and connect with your body as you approach this important transition.
Many women choose to begin labour preparation acupuncture from around week 36, attending weekly sessions until birth.
Post-Natal Recovery
After giving birth, your body begins another phase of transformation as hormones shift and your energy gradually restores. Acupuncture provides gentle, effective support for recovery, physically and emotionally.
It can help to:
- Support hormonal balance and menstrual recovery
- Ease fatigue and low energy
- Relieve anxiety, low mood, or emotional changes
- Reduce postnatal aches and pains
- Encourage better sleep and relaxation
Whether you’ve had acupuncture throughout pregnancy or are new to it, postnatal care offers a calm space to restore balance and strengthen resilience during early motherhood.
Every plan is tailored to where you are in your pregnancy, and the physical and emotional symptoms. We can incorporate pregnancy massage once you have reached your 2nd trimester.
What to Expect at a Pregnancy Acupuncture Treatment
At your first appointment, I’ll take time to understand your medical and pregnancy history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that supports your individual needs and adapts as your pregnancy progresses.
Follow-up sessions help maintain balance, relieve symptoms, and promote relaxation. Treatments are always gentle, calm, and tailored to how you’re feeling on the day.
Combined Acupuncture & Massage Treatments
From your second trimester onwards, you can enjoy treatments that combine acupuncture and pregnancy massage in one session, designed to relax the body, ease discomfort, and support restorative sleep.
Treatments are carried out in a comfortable, side-lying position with supportive cushions and pillows.
The combination helps to:
- Ease muscular tension and joint pain
- Improve circulation and reduce swelling
- Support emotional wellbeing and deep relaxation
Research & Evidence on Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Research suggests acupuncture may safely help relieve symptoms such as back pain, nausea, and anxiety during pregnancy. It is recognised as a complementary approach that can work alongside conventional maternity care.
Some studies suggest acupuncture may:
While results vary, many people find acupuncture helps them feel calmer, more supported, and better able to cope with the stresses of fertility treatment.
What Patients Say
“You really did make a difference. I don’t think I realised how much of a relief it was to have a strong back during pregnancy until I talked about it yesterday. Thank you for your patience, kindness and wonderful skill.”
JV, Grange Park
“I had to let you know how great the acupuncture has been! Literally the next day my vomiting stopped — I was able to travel without nausea at all. You pretty much saved my trip and gave me a great break from feeling absolutely awful.”
SK, Enfield
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Client, Suburb
Why Choose Stacey Chapman Acupuncture
Over 15 years’ experience supporting women’s health and hormonal balance
Member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) a Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accredited register
Specialist in pregnancy, fertility, and postnatal care
Gentle, holistic approach that may include massage and lifestyle guidance
Based in Palmers Green, near Southgate, serving Winchmore Hill, Arnos Grove, Enfield and surrounding areas
Calm, professional environment where you can relax and heal
