Acupuncture and Pregnancy Nausea: How It Can Support a Healthier Pregnancy
Are relentless waves of morning sickness making it hard to enjoy the excitement of early pregnancy? You’re not alone, and there’s a gentle, natural solution that could help you feel like yourself again.
Pregnancy is a time of wonder and anticipation, but let’s face it: those first few months can bring challenges you didn’t expect.
For many women, nausea and morning sickness become unwelcome companions, turning joyful moments into exhausting struggles.
Whether it’s that queasy feeling first thing in the morning or an all-day battle with discomfort, these symptoms can overshadow what should be one of the happiest times of your life. If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone, and relief is within reach.
That’s where acupuncture comes in. With a history spanning centuries, acupuncture has been trusted to support pregnancy health naturally and effectively. It’s not just about soothing the nausea; it’s about nurturing your overall well-being so you can fully embrace this extraordinary journey with calm, balance, and joy.
Understanding Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a frequent symptom that many women encounter during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. It typically involves episodes of nausea and vomiting, which can happen at any time of the day or night.
While the exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to the sudden increase in hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta after implantation.
This hormonal surge can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and triggering morning sickness symptoms.
In addition to hormonal changes, other factors can contribute to morning sickness, such as stress, multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins or triplets), and over-exertion or fatigue. Certain foods and drinks, odours, and heat can also trigger nausea.
The Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine During Pregnancy
For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been a trusted ally in promoting health and well-being, especially during pregnancy. Rooted in the philosophy that the body is an interconnected system, TCM emphasises the delicate balance of yin and yang energies as the foundation of health.
During pregnancy, this approach can be particularly helpful in addressing common challenges like morning sickness by restoring harmony to the body’s vital energy systems.
TCM offers a holistic toolkit for alleviating symptoms, including acupuncture, and dietary therapy. Among these, acupuncture stands out as an effective and natural remedy for nausea and vomiting. This gentle, time-tested approach not only alleviates discomfort but also supports your overall well-being, helping you navigate vomiting in early pregnancy with greater ease and balance.
What Causes Pregnancy Nausea and Morning Sickness?
If you’ve ever wondered why pregnancy nausea hits like a wave out of nowhere, you’re not alone. Often called morning sickness (though it can strike at any time of day), this queasiness is one of the first signs that your body is working overtime to support your growing baby.
But what’s actually causing that constant churn in your stomach? A lot of it comes down to hormones. The main culprit is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone your body starts producing shortly after conception. As hCG levels rise rapidly during the first trimester, they’re thought to play a big role in triggering nausea.
Then there’s estrogen, which also increases during early pregnancy. This hormone can heighten your sense of smell, suddenly making harmless odours (like your favourite perfume or morning coffee) unbearable. Pair that with progesterone, which relaxes your muscles to prepare for carrying a baby but slows digestion in the process, and it’s no wonder your stomach feels unsettled. These hormonal changes, along with other factors, contribute to various pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to smells.
Of course, every pregnancy is different. Some women experience mild nausea that passes quickly, while others face more intense symptoms, such as hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of pregnancy sickness that can leave you feeling completely drained.
If you’re curious about the science behind pregnancy nausea, you can explore more on the NHS.
The good news? While pregnancy nausea is common, it doesn’t have to control your life.
Safe, natural remedies like acupuncture can help you find relief and regain a sense of balance so you can focus on what really matters: nurturing your little one.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Treatment Works for Pregnancy Nausea
Acupuncture is a natural therapy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including pregnancy nausea. At its core, acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to promote balance, improve energy flow (known as qi), and support the body’s natural healing processes.
During pregnancy, the body undergoes major hormonal and physical changes, which can sometimes throw things off balance. Acupuncture helps to restore that balance by targeting key areas that regulate the digestive and hormonal systems. For example, when specific acupuncture points are gently stimulated, they can:
Improve digestion to ease discomfort caused by slowed gut movement during pregnancy.
Calm the stomach to reduce nausea and queasiness.
Balance hormones that may be contributing to nausea and heightened sensitivity to smells or foods.
A common area for treating nausea is the P6 (Neiguan) point, located on the inner wrist. This point is renowned for its ability to relieve chronic nausea and vomiting, making it particularly effective for pregnancy-related sickness.
Another example is the use of gentle points around the stomach and lower legs to promote harmony in the digestive system.
What makes acupuncture so unique is that it not only addresses the physical symptoms but also works to support your overall well-being.
Many women report feeling deeply relaxed after their sessions, which helps reduce the stress that can sometimes worsen nausea.
If you’re looking for a safe, non-invasive way to manage pregnancy nausea and restore balance in your body, acupuncture could be the perfect solution.
Acupuncture Treatment for Morning Sickness: A Natural and Proven Approach
For many women, morning sickness isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a constant battle that can sap the joy out of early pregnancy.
The good news is that acupuncture offers a safe, natural, and effective way to manage these symptoms, helping expectant mothers find relief and restore their energy.
How Acupuncture Eases Morning Sickness to Relieve Nausea
Acupuncture works by tapping into your body’s natural ability to heal and rebalance itself. Through gentle stimulation of specific points, it:
Supports Digestion: By soothing the upper gastrointestinal system, acupuncture reduces stomach acid and alleviates common pregnancy issues like nausea, bloating, and heartburn.
Promotes Relaxation: Pregnancy can bring added stress, which can make morning sickness worse. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging relaxation and reducing tension.
Blocks Nausea Signals: Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins and ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which help calm the brain’s vomiting centre and chemoreceptor trigger zone, key areas responsible for nausea.
What the Research Says: Insights from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Scientific studies have demonstrated acupuncture’s ability to reduce pregnancy nausea and vomiting:
A randomized controlled trial found that women receiving acupuncture experienced significantly less nausea and vomiting compared to those who did not. This clinical trial aimed to assess the primary outcomes of nausea and vomiting reduction in pregnant women.
The P6 (Neiguan) point, located on the inner wrist, is particularly effective. Women treated at this point reported noticeable improvements in nausea as early as the second week and reduced dry retching by the third week. The primary outcomes measured included a reduction in the severity of nausea and vomiting.
Additional points like ST36 (Zusanli) on the lower leg and CV12 (Zhongwan) on the abdomen also play a role in easing digestive discomfort.
Beyond Nausea: Acupuncture’s Holistic Benefits
Acupuncture isn’t just about stopping nausea; it’s about helping you feel better overall. Alongside nausea relief, many women report improved energy, better sleep, and reduced emotional stress. This whole-body approach supports both your physical and emotional well-being, allowing you to fully embrace the early stages of pregnancy.
Safe, Gentle, and Tailored Care
Acupuncture is a gentle therapy that is entirely safe during pregnancy when performed by a trained professional. Treatments are customised to suit your specific symptoms, with many women benefiting from one to two sessions per week during the first trimester.
If you’re looking for a way to take control of morning sickness and feel more like yourself, acupuncture could be the natural solution you’ve been searching for. With both centuries of tradition and modern science behind it, acupuncture provides a reliable path to relief.
Acupuncture for Nausea During Pregnancy
When it comes to managing nausea during pregnancy, safety is always a top priority. That’s why acupuncture is such a popular choice among expectant mothers; it’s gentle, non-invasive, and completely safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Acupuncture treatment is a gentle, non-invasive method that works naturally with your body to restore balance and alleviate nausea.
Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, acupuncture is widely considered a safe and effective therapy for pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea, morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms.
Unlike medications, which can sometimes carry risks for the baby, acupuncture works naturally with your body to restore balance without side effects. Studies have consistently shown that acupuncture, when done correctly, poses no harm to you or your baby.
A practitioner with specialised training in traditional acupuncture can ensure safe and effective treatment for pregnancy-related symptoms.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Practitioner
Not all acupuncture is the same, especially during pregnancy. It’s vital to choose a practitioner with specialised training in treating pregnant women. They’ll know which points are safe and effective for addressing nausea while avoiding areas that should be left untouched during pregnancy.
At Deanna Thomas - Acupuncture & Wellbeing, I’m a degree-trained Traditional Chinese Acupuncturist with postgraduate training in obstetrics and extensive experience supporting women through pregnancy. As a BACC-registered practitioner, I ensure the highest standards of care, tailoring treatments to ease nausea, boost energy, and promote overall well-being, helping make your pregnancy as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Why Choose My Practice?
Safe and Comfortable Environment: My clinic provides a relaxing, nurturing space where you can feel at ease, knowing you’re in expert hands.
Specialised Expertise: As a trained acupuncturist with a focus on women’s health and pregnancy care, I’ve helped countless women navigate the challenges of pregnancy, including morning sickness and nausea.
BACC-Registered Practitioner: Membership with the British Acupuncture Council guarantees adherence to strict safety protocols, continuous professional development, and expert knowledge.
If you’re ready to experience safe, effective relief from pregnancy nausea, I’d love to help. Visit my page on Safe Pregnancy Acupuncture to learn more, or click here to book an appointment to get started on your journey to feeling better.
Acupuncture for Pregnancy Sickness: What to Expect in a Session
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session for Pregnancy Sickness
When you come for acupuncture to ease pregnancy sickness, you’ll experience a gentle, tailored treatment designed to support your needs as an expectant mother.
What Happens During a Session?
Consultation: We’ll begin by discussing your symptoms, health, and pregnancy journey to create a personalised treatment plan.
Comfortable Setup: You’ll relax on a supportive treatment table with pillows to ensure your comfort.
Gentle Techniques: Using very fine, sterile needles, I’ll stimulate specific acupuncture points. These points, such as the P6 (Neiguan) on your wrist, are carefully chosen to ease nausea, calm your digestive system, and support overall pregnancy health.
Relaxation: Acupuncture often provides a calming, rejuvenating experience, leaving you feeling balanced and relieved.
Each session is non-invasive and designed to help you feel safe, supported, and empowered.
Morning Sickness and Acupuncture: When to Start Treatment
The sooner you address pregnancy nausea, the sooner you’ll find relief.
Many patients experiencing morning sickness begin acupuncture as soon as symptoms arise, typically in the first trimester. Starting early can help treat nausea effectively, reducing its intensity and duration while improving overall well-being.
Research suggests that acupuncture can significantly reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
One study, as cited in a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Medicine (2023), compared acupuncture groups to sham acupuncture groups and found a marked improvement in symptoms.
The review further highlighted acupuncture's effectiveness in addressing imbalances linked to pregnancy-related nausea, with additional evidence supporting its benefits in reducing postoperative nausea in other clinical settings.
This reinforces acupuncture's role as a safe, natural approach to managing these challenging symptoms. PubMed Reference
In clinical practice, acupuncture is often combined with acupressure to stimulate specific points associated with the vomiting centre, further enhancing feelings of relief.
Acupressure points like PC6 (Neiguan) have been shown to be highly effective for nausea prevention and management, offering a holistic approach to care. This point is so well-recognised for its anti-nausea benefits that it inspired the creation of anti-sickness bands for travel sickness.
While these bands can provide some relief by targeting PC6, acupuncture offers a more powerful and comprehensive treatment, directly addressing imbalances and providing longer-lasting results.
While some patients may experience only mild relief initially, many find that regular acupuncture sessions significantly enhance their quality of life during early pregnancy.
Acupuncture is a cumulative therapy, meaning its benefits build over time. It’s a safe, natural treatment option during pregnancy, offering effective relief for a range of aches and pains without any side effects.
Dietary and Lifestyle Tips for Morning Sickness
While acupuncture and TCM can be effective in relieving morning sickness symptoms, dietary and lifestyle changes can also play a significant role in managing this condition.
Here are some tips to help alleviate morning sickness:
Eat small, frequent meals: Eating smaller meals throughout the day can help maintain blood sugar levels and reduce nausea.
Avoid trigger foods: Identify and avoid foods that trigger morning sickness, such as fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, and strong-tasting vegetables.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins.
Ginger: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate nausea and vomiting. Try ginger tea, ginger ale, or ginger candies.
Rest: Get plenty of rest and avoid over-exertion, as fatigue can exacerbate morning sickness symptoms.
Stress reduction: Practice stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, to help manage stress and promote relaxation.
How Often Should You Come for Treatments?
Consistency is key for the best results. Weekly sessions are typically recommended during the first trimester, though this may vary depending on your symptoms.
Acupuncture works by treating the imbalance in the body, helping to enhance feelings of well-being, alleviate pain, and promote overall harmony.
Many women also notice significant improvements in their symptoms and overall well-being after just a few sessions.
Why Choose Deanna Thomas - Acupuncture & Wellbeing?
At Deanna Thomas - Acupuncture & Wellbeing, I specialise in supporting expectant mothers through safe, effective acupuncture treatments. With a focus on women’s health and pregnancy, I tailor each session to your unique needs to ensure the best possible care.
What Sets My Practice Apart?
Expertise in Pregnancy Acupuncture: As a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council (BACC), I follow the highest safety and ethical standards.
Welcoming Environment: My clinic is a calming, nurturing space where you can feel relaxed and cared for.
Personalised Approach: Every pregnancy is unique, and so is every treatment plan. I take the time to understand your needs and create a care plan just for you.
To learn more, visit my Safe Pregnancy Acupuncture Page.
Additional Pregnancy Support Services at Deanna Thomas - Acupuncture & Wellbeing
My goal is to support you through every stage of pregnancy. In addition to managing morning sickness, I offer:
These treatments are designed to complement your acupuncture sessions and provide holistic care for a healthy, empowered pregnancy.
Is Acupuncture Safe for Pregnancy Nausea?
Absolutely! Acupuncture is a safe and natural option during pregnancy when performed by a qualified professional. As a trained acupuncturist and member of the BACC, I specialise in pregnancy care, ensuring that every treatment is tailored to support both you and your baby.
The gentle, non-invasive techniques I use are designed to provide effective relief from symptoms like nausea while promoting overall health and well-being.
Research, including a study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (2016), highlights acupuncture’s safety and effectiveness during pregnancy. Regular treatments not only help manage symptoms like nausea and vomiting but also support your body’s balance, reducing the risk of miscarriage and keeping both you and your baby thriving. Read the study here.
Success Stories: How Acupuncture Helped Ease Pregnancy Nausea
Here’s what one of my clients shared about their experience:
"I was struggling with morning sickness so badly that even drinking water felt impossible. After just a couple of acupuncture sessions with Deanna, I could finally eat without fear of getting sick. The difference was life-changing!"
If pregnancy nausea is making it hard to enjoy this special time, acupuncture can help. At Deanna Thomas - Acupuncture & Wellbeing, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
📞 Call 0800 593 2023
📧 Email help@deannathomastherapies.com