Acupuncture for Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy

Back and pelvic pain are among the most common reasons pregnant women come to see us. They are also among the most rewarding to treat, because the change can be quick: patients who arrive struggling to turn over in bed or climb the stairs often tell us after a few sessions that they are moving freely again.

Pregnancy is a time when most painkillers are off the table. Acupuncture gives you something active you can do, alongside the advice from your midwife and any physiotherapy you are having.

Book an initial consultation or call 0207 935 2030 for a free 15-minute chat.

Why pregnancy causes back and pelvic pain

The hormone relaxin softens the ligaments around your pelvis so it can open for birth. Your centre of gravity moves forward as your bump grows, and the muscles of your lower back work harder to hold you upright. Together these strain the joints at the back of the pelvis and the pubic bone at the front.

The result tends to fall into three patterns:

  • Lower back pain: an ache across the lower back, often worse at the end of the day or after standing.
  • Pelvic girdle pain (PGP, sometimes called SPD): pain at the front of the pelvis, in the buttocks or groin, worse when you walk, climb stairs, stand on one leg or turn over in bed.
  • Sciatica-type pain: pain running from the buttock down the back of the leg. Read more about sciatica.

How we treat it

In Chinese medicine we look at the type of pain as much as its location. A stiff, cold ache that is worse in damp weather and eased by a hot water bottle is treated differently from a sharp, hot pain, or from a dull pain that comes with exhaustion. This is why two women with “back pain” may have quite different treatments.

In pregnancy we adapt everything:

  • Positioning: you lie on your side or sit supported, never on your front, with cushions to keep you comfortable.
  • Points: we use fewer, very fine needles and avoid the points traditionally avoided in pregnancy.
  • Session length: needles usually stay in for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Frequency: we normally treat weekly and review after three or four sessions. When pelvic girdle pain is severe, we can see you twice a week.

We also give practical advice to use between sessions: keeping your knees together when you turn over or get out of the car, taking stairs one at a time, and avoiding heavy lifting on one side. We work happily alongside your midwife, physiotherapist or osteopath, and can write to them with your permission.

What the research shows

Pregnancy back and pelvic pain is one of the better-researched uses of acupuncture in pregnancy.

The trials are not large, so we see acupuncture as one part of good care rather than a replacement for physiotherapy. Results vary between people, and acupuncture is not a replacement for assessment by your midwife or GP.

When to call your midwife first

Back pain in pregnancy is usually muscular, but contact your midwife or maternity triage straight away if your back pain comes with:

  • bleeding or fluid loss
  • regular tightening or period-like cramps before 37 weeks
  • fever, or pain or burning when you pass urine
  • numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs, or numbness around your bottom
  • severe pain on one side under the ribs

What to expect

Your first appointment lasts an hour. We ask about your pregnancy, your due date and your pain, look at any notes from your midwife or physio, and agree a plan with you. Initial consultations start from £80; see clinics and fees for details.

Why The London Acupuncture Clinic

  • 25 years treating patients in London, with pregnancy care a core part of our work
  • Degree-qualified practitioners experienced in treating women through pregnancy and after the birth
  • We work alongside midwives, GPs, physiotherapists and consultants
  • Early-morning, evening and weekend appointments
  • Receipts for insurance claims on request

What our patients say

When given by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is generally well tolerated in pregnancy. Side effects, when they happen, are usually mild, such as a small bruise or feeling tired. We adapt the points and positioning for each stage of pregnancy. Please tell us about any complications, such as bleeding, high blood pressure or placenta praevia.

You can start at any stage. Many women come in the second or third trimester as the pain builds, but treating early, before it becomes severe, usually needs fewer sessions.

Most women notice a change within three or four weekly sessions. When pelvic girdle pain is severe, we can see you twice a week. Some women come back every two to four weeks until birth to keep the pain under control.

No. We treat you lying on your side or sitting supported, with pillows under your bump and between your knees.

Yes. Acupuncture works well alongside physiotherapy, exercises and a pelvic support belt. We would encourage you to keep going with anything your physio or midwife has recommended.

Book your consultation

Book online or call 0207 935 2030. Not sure if we can help? Ask for a free 15-minute telephone chat.

Related: Carpal tunnel in pregnancy · Breech presentation · Pain relief in labour · Back pain · Pregnancy care

Written by The London Acupuncture Clinic’s practitioner team.