Pregnancy is a time of profound transformation - physically, emotionally, and hormonally - as your body nurtures new life. While it can be an incredibly special experience, it can also bring a range of changes and challenges along the way.
Many people seek acupuncture during pregnancy for gentle, natural support as their body adapts through each trimester. From easing early symptoms like nausea and fatigue to preparing the body for labour in the final weeks, acupuncture is a safe and supportive way to help restore balance and promote wellbeing for both mother and baby.
Pregnancy acupuncture works with your body’s natural processes, helping you feel more comfortable, calm, and supported throughout this important journey.
What you might be experiencing
Pregnancy affects every person differently, but many of the people I see are experiencing:
Persistent nausea or morning sickness, particularly in the first trimester
Fatigue or low energy levels
Back, hip, pelvic or sciatic pain as your body changes (including pelvic girdle pain)
Heartburn, bloating or digestive discomfort
Headaches or tension
Difficulty sleeping or pregnancy insomnia
Anxiety or emotional overwhelm, including after IVF, fertility treatment, or previous miscarriage
Swelling, fluid retention, or circulation issues
A desire to prepare your body for labour in the final weeks of pregnancy
A breech baby position and wanting to explore gentle ways to encourage optimal positioning
How Acupuncture May Help with Pregnancy
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pregnancy is understood as a time when the body’s Qi/energy and Blood are working intensely to support both mother and baby. As these energies shift, imbalances can sometimes lead to symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, pain, or emotional fluctuations.
Acupuncture gently supports the smooth flow of Qi and Blood through the body, helping to restore balance and encourage the body’s natural healing processes. The Kidneys are an important organ during a woman’s time of transition and are used heavily during pregnancy. Treatments aim to support your Qi, Blood and Kidneys.
Many clients report feeling deeply relaxed during treatment, with improvements in comfort, sleep, energy levels, and emotional wellbeing over time.
What a Treatment Plan Looks Like
Your First Appointment
Your first session begins with a detailed consultation where we discuss your pregnancy, any symptoms you may be experiencing, your medical history, and how you are feeling physically and emotionally. This helps me tailor treatment specifically to you and your stage of pregnancy.
Safe and Comfortable Treatment
I am trained in Acupuncture for Pregnancy. Pregnancy acupuncture uses carefully selected points that are safe for each trimester. I will always make you as comfortable as possible - either lying prompt up or on your side or supported with cushions. Treatments are designed to be deeply relaxing and restorative.
Labour Preparation Acupuncture
From around 36 weeks, weekly treatments can help prepare the body for labour by supporting optimal energy flow, relaxing the body, and encouraging readiness for birth.
Trimester-Specific Support
Each stage of pregnancy brings different needs. Early treatments often focus on easing nausea and fatigue, while later sessions may address discomfort, sleep, or preparation for labour.
Postnatal Recovery Support
Acupuncture can also be beneficial after birth, supporting recovery, restoring energy, balancing hormones, and helping with emotional wellbeing during the postpartum period. You are welcome to bring baby - please email me in advance about this.
Regular Treatments if Needed
Some people choose occasional sessions when symptoms arise, while others prefer regular acupuncture throughout pregnancy to maintain balance and prevent discomfort. It is ideal to have acupuncture during your first trimester and third trimester.
Who This Approach Tends to Help
Pregnancy acupuncture may be particularly helpful for those who:
Are experiencing nausea, fatigue, or common pregnancy symptoms
Want natural support for back, pelvic, or musculoskeletal discomfort
Feel anxious or emotionally overwhelmed during pregnancy
Would like help improving sleep and relaxation
Are approaching the final weeks of pregnancy and want to prepare their body for labour
Prefer a gentle, holistic approach to supporting their pregnancy and overall wellbeing
From My Perspective
Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey (it really does baffle me!), but it can also place significant demands on the body and mind. Supporting this time with gentle, nurturing care can make a meaningful difference in how you experience each stage. Acupuncture helped me personally during pregnancy and postpartum.
Acupuncture offers a space to slow down, reconnect with your body, and receive support during this important transition. My aim is always to create a calm and supportive environment where you feel comfortable, listened to, and cared for.
Treatments are always tailored carefully to ensure safety and comfort throughout pregnancy, working alongside your existing maternity care.
What people are saying
“I had a few acupuncture sessions with Saskia during my pregnancy, and they really helped me regain my energy. It was my first experience of acupuncture, and I really appreciated her calm and gentle approach, as well as her professionalism. I felt completely at ease when it came to the needles - which had initially been the part that worried me most. Saskia monitored everything carefully, and the whole experience went really well.”
— Berenice D“I would highly recommend Saskia for acupuncture.
Although I had no prior experience of acupuncture, Saskia put me at ease with her natural, caring manner. She spends time getting to know you and understanding your overall health.
I feel intensely relaxed during the sessions and energised afterwards.”
— Assumpta M“Saskia is absolutely amazing - I cannot recommend more strongly! She is incredibly supportive and empathetic, really listens to what you need, gives very straightforwards guidance how acupuncture can help and enables integration with traditional NHS support which I found so helpful. Treatment rooms in Catford and Blackheath are lovely too.”
— Laura MPractical Details
I offer treatments in Belgravia and Blackheath, both calm, discreet clinics easily accessible by public transport.
Sessions typically last around 60 minutes
Opening hours are flexible to suit your schedule
Costs and booking details are available here
I am a member of the British Acupuncture Council and the Acupuncture Fertility Network (AFN)
All consultations and treatments are confidential and everyone is welcome
Health insurance invoices available - please see FAQs for details
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
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Yes. When you see a qualified acupuncturist trained in pregnancy care, acupuncture is considered safe and gentle throughout pregnancy. Specific points and techniques are chosen carefully depending on the trimester.
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Acupuncture can be used at any stage of pregnancy, from the early weeks through to labour preparation and postnatal recovery.
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Yes. Weekly treatments from around 36 weeks are often used to help prepare the body for labour, encouraging relaxation and supporting the body’s readiness for birth.
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Many people choose acupuncture as a natural way to gently encourage the onset of labour once they are past their due date, always in coordination with their maternity care provider.
Book Your Appointment
You can book your first consultation or follow-up session online via the links below or email hello@saskiahawkins.com