Gentle support throughout your pregnancy 🌸

Book Now — £80
Pregnancy Acupuncture · Middlesbrough · Safe & Specialist

You Shouldn't Have to Just Get Through Your Pregnancy

The nausea. The back pain. The exhaustion that rest doesn't touch. The worry. You deserve more than being told to wait it out. Specialist pregnancy acupuncture — from the first trimester to your birth preparation and beyond.

⭐ 700+ Five-Star Reviews 🏅 Multi-Award-Winning Clinic 🎓 MBAcC · DipObsGyn 🤰 Pregnancy Specialist 📍 Middlesbrough, Teesside
Book Your Pregnancy Consultation — £80 Safe, gentle, and tailored entirely to you and your baby. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trusted by women across Teesside · Appointments typically within 1–2 weeks
📞 Call 0800 593 2023 Prefer to speak to someone first?
🏅 Multi-Award-Winning Clinic
⭐ 700+ Five-Star Reviews
🎓 MBAcC · BSc (Hons) · DipObsGyn
🤰 Pregnancy Acupuncture Specialist
📍 Middlesbrough, Teesside
CNHC Registered

📍 Serving pregnant women across Teesside — Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, Marton, Nunthorpe, Redcar, Hartlepool & Darlington. Free parking available.

Does Any of This Sound Familiar?

Here's what women often share with Deanna before their first pregnancy session, and what they notice after.

Before
🤢 Nausea that makes daily life feel impossible
💔 Back and pelvic pain stopping you from sleeping
😰 Anxiety about pregnancy, birth, or the baby
😴 Exhaustion that rest doesn't seem to touch
😣 Pelvic girdle pain limiting every movement
🤷 Feeling like you just have to "get through it"
After Acupuncture Support
🌸 Nausea easing and appetite returning
💜 Back and pelvis more comfortable and mobile
😌 Calmer nervous system, better quality sleep
⚡ More energy and a sense of feeling grounded
🌿 Body feeling supported, not just endured
✨ More confident and prepared as birth approaches

Pregnancy Is Wonderful. It Can Also Be Really Hard.

Nobody tells you quite how physical pregnancy is going to be. The books talk about glowing. The reality is often nausea at 3am, hips that ache before you've even got out of bed, and a kind of bone-deep tiredness that no amount of rest seems to fix.

You love this baby. You want to enjoy this time. And you're also just trying to get through the day.

That's not a failure. That's pregnancy. And there is support available that goes beyond being told to rest more and take paracetamol.

🤢

Morning Sickness

Nausea and vomiting that can last all day, well beyond the first trimester.

💔

Back & Pelvic Pain

Low back pain and sacral aching that worsens as your baby grows.

😣

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP/SPD)

Pain and instability in the pelvis, hips, and groin that makes walking difficult.

😰

Anxiety & Low Mood

Worry about the baby, birth, or your changing body — often dismissed as "normal".

😴

Insomnia & Fatigue

Difficulty sleeping despite exhaustion, especially in the third trimester.

🔄

Breech Presentation

Baby not in the ideal position for birth — moxibustion may help from 34 weeks.

If you're dealing with any of these, you're in the right place. Deanna has supported women through every stage of pregnancy and every kind of challenge it brings.

Support at Every Stage of Your Pregnancy

Acupuncture during pregnancy isn't a one-size approach. What your body needs in the first trimester is very different from what it needs at 37 weeks. Deanna tailors every treatment to exactly where you are right now.

Weeks 1–12

First Trimester

  • Morning sickness and nausea
  • Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
  • Anxiety and emotional overwhelm
  • Spotting or threatened miscarriage support
  • Headaches and dizziness
Weeks 13–27

Second Trimester

  • Back pain and round ligament pain
  • Pelvic girdle pain (SPD/PGP)
  • Heartburn and digestive discomfort
  • Restless legs and sleep disturbance
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
Weeks 28–40

Third Trimester

  • Severe back and pelvic pain
  • Oedema and swelling
  • Insomnia and anxiety about birth
  • Pre-birth preparation (from 36 weeks)
  • Overdue: natural labour encouragement
Post-birth

Postnatal Recovery

  • Recovery after birth
  • Postnatal depletion and fatigue
  • Low mood and postnatal anxiety
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Returning to yourself

Pre-Birth Acupuncture: Supporting Your Body to Prepare for Labour

From 36 weeks, acupuncture can be used specifically to help your body prepare for birth. Pre-birth acupuncture doesn't induce labour — rather, it works to ripen the cervix, encourage the baby into an optimal position, and support the whole system to be as ready as possible when labour begins naturally.

Women who receive regular pre-birth acupuncture often report shorter labours, less intervention, and a greater sense of calm and control going into their birth experience.

🌸

Cervical Ripening

Specific points encourage softening and ripening of the cervix in preparation for labour.

👶

Optimal Positioning

Treatment to encourage baby into the best possible position for birth.

🧘

Nervous System Support

Calms anxiety and stress hormones so your body can move into labour more easily.

⚡

Energy & Stamina

Builds the energy reserves you'll need for labour and the early days with your baby.

💤

Better Sleep

Improves sleep quality in the final weeks when rest becomes most elusive.

🌿

Overdue Support

Gentle acupuncture to encourage the body when labour is slow to start naturally.

🔒 A Note on Breech Babies

If your baby is in a breech position, Deanna also offers moxibustion — a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique using a warming herb alongside a specific acupuncture point that research suggests may help encourage baby to turn. This is best started at around 34–35 weeks. Find out more about moxibustion for breech babies →

You're Not Alone in Finding Pregnancy Hard

These experiences are more common than anyone talks about. If you're struggling, you are in very good company — and there is support available that goes beyond being told to rest.

80%
of pregnant women experience back pain or pelvic girdle pain
70–80%
experience nausea or vomiting in the first trimester
25%
experience significant anxiety during pregnancy
1 in 5
pregnancies are affected by breech presentation before 36 weeks

You are not alone in finding pregnancy physically and emotionally challenging. And you deserve more than being told to wait it out.

What the Research Tells Us

Evidence for acupuncture during pregnancy is growing across multiple areas of care.

A large randomised controlled trial published in the British Medical Journal found that acupuncture provided significantly greater relief from pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy than either physiotherapy or a standard treatment approach, with women reporting meaningful improvements in both pain intensity and daily function.

Elden et al., 2005 — British Medical Journal. Acupuncture vs physiotherapy for pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy.

A Cochrane systematic review of interventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy concluded that acupuncture and acupressure were associated with reduced nausea and vomiting, with a good safety profile and no adverse effects on the pregnancy.

Matthews et al., 2015 — Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Interventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.

Research into pre-birth acupuncture (weekly from 36 weeks) found women who received treatment were significantly less likely to require medical induction, had shorter active labour phases, and required fewer interventions compared to women who did not receive treatment.

Kubista & Kucera, 1974; Zeisler et al., 1998 — Research into pre-birth acupuncture and labour outcomes.

Research is presented for informational purposes. Individual results will vary. Deanna will give you an honest picture at your consultation.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

This is the first question most women ask, and it's exactly the right one. The short answer is yes — when performed by a specialist with specific pregnancy training, acupuncture has an excellent safety record throughout pregnancy.

✅

Specialist Training

Deanna holds a DipObsGyn — postgraduate training specifically in obstetrics and gynaecology. Not all acupuncturists have this.

✅

Pregnancy-Safe Points Only

Deanna is trained in which acupuncture points to avoid during pregnancy and adapts every treatment accordingly.

✅

Safe Across All Trimesters

Acupuncture can be used safely throughout pregnancy, from the first trimester through to post-dates.

✅

No Drug Interactions

Acupuncture doesn't interact with pregnancy medications, iron supplements, or other treatments.

✅

MBAcC Registered

As a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council, Deanna adheres to the highest professional and hygiene standards.

✅

Sterile, Single-Use Needles

Only single-use, disposable sterile needles are used. There is no risk of infection or cross-contamination.

✅

Works Alongside Midwife Care

Acupuncture complements your NHS midwife care. Deanna will never advise against any recommendation from your maternity team.

✅

Gentle & Comfortable

Most pregnant women find the sessions deeply relaxing. Many drift off during treatment.

Deanna Thomas – Specialist Pregnancy Acupuncturist, Middlesbrough

Meet Deanna Thomas

Deanna is one of Teesside's most experienced and trusted pregnancy acupuncturists. With specialist postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynaecology (DipObsGyn), she has supported hundreds of women through every stage of pregnancy — from the vulnerable early weeks to the final countdown to birth.

She understands that pregnancy brings its own particular kind of emotional weight, and that what you need most is someone who will listen without rushing, without dismissing, and without making you feel like your discomfort is something to just push through.

"Deanna makes you feel so relaxed and is very welcoming. Would highly recommend her services."

— Ann Crawley, verified patient

MBAcC Member BSc (Hons) Acupuncture DipObsGyn Pregnancy Specialist NLP Practitioner CNHC Quality Mark
Read More About Deanna

Why Women Choose Deanna for Pregnancy Acupuncture

Specialist training, real experience, and a space that genuinely feels safe.

🎓

Postgraduate Obstetric Training

Deanna holds a Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (DipObsGyn) — specialist clinical training that goes well beyond a standard acupuncture degree. She understands pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period in depth.

🤰

Pregnancy Specialist, Not a Generalist

Deanna doesn't just "do pregnancy" on the side. It's one of her core specialisms, alongside fertility. You'll be treated by someone who thinks deeply about this area every day.

💜

You Are Never Rushed

Your first appointment includes 75–90 minutes of time — to talk through your full pregnancy history, your worries, and your goals. You won't be hurried through and sent away with a standard protocol.

🌿

Evidence-Informed Practice

Deanna combines Traditional Chinese Medicine with an awareness of the current research evidence, so your treatment is both time-honoured and clinically grounded.

🏅

Multi-Award-Winning Clinic

Independently recognised with multiple awards — not for marketing, but for the consistently high standard of care that clients receive and talk about.

⭐

700+ Five-Star Reviews

Over 700 women have left five-star reviews. The most common themes: feeling genuinely listened to, respected, and cared for — not just treated.

Your First Pregnancy Appointment: What to Expect

Your initial consultation is dedicated time — for Deanna to understand your pregnancy, your history, your symptoms, and what you're hoping for. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is dismissed.

1

Full Pregnancy History

Your full picture: pregnancy journey, symptoms, concerns, medical history, and current midwife care.

2

TCM Diagnosis

Pulse and tongue diagnosis to understand your individual pattern — tailored to you, not a textbook pregnancy.

3

Your First Treatment

Your consultation includes your first acupuncture treatment. Most women find it deeply relaxing and leave feeling calmer.

4

Your Treatment Plan

Deanna explains what she found, what she recommends, and what a realistic pathway looks like for where you are in your pregnancy.

There is no obligation to continue after your first appointment. Everything at your own pace.

Book Your Pregnancy Consultation — £80 75–90 minutes · Middlesbrough, Teesside · Free parking ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 700+ five-star reviews · Appointments typically within 1–2 weeks

How Often Will You Need to Come?

This depends entirely on your trimester, your symptoms, and your goals. As a general guide:

First trimester (especially for nausea or anxiety): weekly sessions during the acute phase, reducing as symptoms settle.

Second and third trimester (for back pain, SPD, or general support): fortnightly or monthly sessions, increasing to weekly from 36 weeks if you'd like pre-birth preparation.

Pre-birth acupuncture (from 36 weeks): weekly sessions through to your due date to prepare your body for labour.

Follow-up sessions are £65 each and last approximately 60 minutes. Deanna will always discuss what she feels is genuinely helpful for you — never more than she truly recommends.

💊 Already receiving midwife care or other treatment?

Acupuncture works beautifully alongside NHS midwife care, physiotherapy, and other pregnancy support. Deanna will always coordinate with and respect your existing care team. She will never advise you to do anything that contradicts guidance from your midwife or consultant.

Simple, Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. No pressure. Just clear, honest support throughout your pregnancy.

START HERE

Initial Consultation

£80
Approx. 75–90 minutes
  • Full pregnancy and health history
  • TCM diagnosis tailored to pregnancy
  • First acupuncture treatment included
  • Personalised treatment plan
  • Time to ask all your questions
Book Now ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 700+ five-star reviews · Secure booking via Fresha

Follow-Up Treatment

£65
Approx. 60 minutes
  • Full acupuncture treatment
  • Review of symptoms and progress
  • Ongoing pregnancy TCM assessment
  • Lifestyle and self-care guidance
  • Book at your own pace
Book Now

Ready to Book? Here's What Happens Next

Simple, secure, and takes less than two minutes.

Click "Book Now" and choose your preferred date and time
Complete a short intake form so Deanna can prepare for you
Receive your confirmation and reminder
Arrive, settle in, and feel genuinely cared for
Book Your Pregnancy Consultation — £80 📍 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough · 📞 0800 593 2023 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trusted by 700+ women · Appointments typically within 1–2 weeks

What Women Say

Real words from real women, supported through their pregnancies at Deanna's Middlesbrough clinic.

★★★★★
"I visited Deanna for some Pregnancy-Support Acupuncture days before I went in to labour with my little girl! Deanna was so knowledgeable and so professional. The treatment was so relaxing and was just what I needed after being stressed being over my due date! I believe the treatment massively helped me have such an amazing birth experience! Thanks Deanna — I honestly can't stop recommending you to people!"
— Beth Norris · Google Review · April 2024
★★★★★
"Deanna makes you feel so relaxed and is very welcoming. Would highly recommend her services."
— Ann Crawley, verified patient
★★★★★
"Deanna listened to my issues, felt relaxed and hopeful that she could sort out a plan just for me. She is caring and passionate about her job. Definitely recommend."
— Sharon Peacock, verified patient
★★★★★
"She took the time to sit down and talk to me, take notes and explain everything. Can't thank her enough — defo recommend."
— Hollie, verified patient
★★★★★
"Deanna made me feel really welcome and comfortable during my treatment. I had acupuncture to help with sickness and it has been a great help. I can't wait for my next session. Thank you!"
— Abigail Hill · Google Review

You Deserve to Feel Supported Through This

Pregnancy is a time to be nourished, not just managed. Deanna is here with genuine expertise, real warmth, and a space that is calm, safe, and completely focused on you and your baby.

Book Your Pregnancy Consultation — £80 Prefer to call? 0800 593 2023 · Email help@deannathomastherapies.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, when performed by a practitioner with specialist pregnancy training, acupuncture has an excellent safety record throughout all trimesters. Deanna holds a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DipObsGyn) and is fully trained in pregnancy-safe acupuncture points and contraindications. She uses only sterile, single-use needles and adapts every treatment to where you are in your pregnancy.
You can start acupuncture at any stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester. Many women come to Deanna specifically for first trimester nausea and anxiety. The treatment approach will be adapted to your trimester and individual circumstances. If you have any concerns about starting in early pregnancy, Deanna is happy to discuss them at your consultation before any needles are used.
Yes, this is one of the most well-evidenced uses of acupuncture in pregnancy. A Cochrane systematic review found acupuncture and acupressure were associated with meaningful reductions in nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Some women notice improvement after just one or two sessions. It can also be used safely alongside anti-nausea medication if prescribed by your GP or midwife.
Yes. A large randomised controlled trial published in the British Medical Journal found acupuncture provided significantly greater relief for pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy than physiotherapy alone. Deanna will work gently on specific points that help reduce inflammation, ease muscle tension, and support pelvic stability. Treatment is adapted to avoid any positions that are uncomfortable for you at your stage of pregnancy.
Pre-birth acupuncture is a course of weekly treatments from 36 weeks, designed to help your body prepare for labour. It focuses on cervical ripening, optimal fetal positioning, nervous system calming, and building energy reserves. Research suggests women who receive pre-birth acupuncture may experience shorter labours and require fewer interventions. Deanna recommends starting at 36 weeks for the most benefit, though sessions from 37 or 38 weeks are still valuable.
Deanna offers moxibustion for breech presentation — a technique using a warming herb at a specific acupuncture point (BL67) that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries and has shown promising results in research. It is most effective when started at around 34–35 weeks. Deanna will assess whether this is appropriate for your individual circumstances and discuss it fully at your consultation.
Yes. Acupuncture for overdue pregnancies uses specific points to gently encourage the body toward labour when it is ready and conditions are favourable. It does not force labour to begin — rather, it supports the natural process. Many women find it a calming and helpful option before a medical induction. Always let your midwife or consultant know you are having acupuncture if you are being monitored for post-dates pregnancy.
Not at all. Acupuncture works alongside and complements your NHS care. Deanna will always respect the guidance of your midwife and consultant, and will never advise anything that contradicts their recommendations. It is good practice to let your midwife know you are having acupuncture — most are very supportive.
The clinic is at The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 7BP. Free parking is available nearby, which Deanna knows matters a great deal when you're heavily pregnant. The clinic is easily accessible from Stockton-on-Tees, Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, Marton, Redcar, Hartlepool, and Darlington.

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🌸

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📖 Further Reading

Ready to Feel More Like Yourself Again?

You deserve to be supported through this. Gently. Expertly. Without judgment, without rushing. Deanna is here.

Book Your Pregnancy Consultation — £80 Secure online booking via Fresha · No card required to reserve your time

"Wellness grows where energy flows."

Healthcare Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment from your midwife, GP, or obstetric team. Always consult your maternity care team regarding any concerns during pregnancy. Individual results will vary.
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