Acupuncture for Constipation in Pregnancy
Constipation is one of the least talked-about parts of pregnancy, and one of the most common. It can leave you bloated, uncomfortable and off your food, and straining makes piles more likely. It is also something we see, and help with, very regularly.
Book an initial consultation or call 0207 935 2030 for a free 15-minute chat.
Why it happens
Progesterone, the hormone that keeps your pregnancy settled, also relaxes the muscles of your bowel, so food moves through more slowly. As your baby grows, the womb presses on the intestines. Iron supplements, often prescribed in pregnancy, can make things worse. Add tiredness, nausea and less exercise, and it is easy to see why so many women struggle.
How we treat it
We start by looking at the whole picture: how often you go, what the stools are like, whether you are bloated, and how your appetite, energy and sleep are. In Chinese medicine, constipation with dryness and thirst is treated differently from constipation with sluggishness and fatigue, and that shapes the points we choose.
- Acupuncture: mainly on the arms, legs and back. We avoid the points traditionally avoided in pregnancy, and we do not needle the bump.
- Diet and routine: practical changes that make a real difference, such as more fibre from fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, plenty of water, a regular time to go, and gentle daily walking.
- Herbs: gentle herbs are used only occasionally, and only after a full discussion with your practitioner.
Most women notice a change within two or three weekly sessions.
What the research shows
We are honest about the evidence here: there are no good-quality trials of acupuncture specifically for constipation in pregnancy. Outside pregnancy, the research is encouraging:
- Liu et al., 2016 (Annals of Internal Medicine) — 1,075 people with chronic severe constipation. Electroacupuncture increased bowel movements more than sham treatment, and the benefit lasted after treatment ended.
In pregnancy we use a gentler, adapted approach, so we treat that trial as encouraging rather than as proof. Results vary between people, and acupuncture is not a replacement for assessment by your midwife or GP.
Laxatives
You don’t have to choose between acupuncture and medication. Some laxatives are suitable in pregnancy and some are not, so ask your pharmacist, GP or midwife which is right for you, and carry on with anything they have recommended.
When to see your GP or midwife
Speak to your GP or midwife promptly if you have:
- blood in your stools, or black stools
- severe tummy pain, or pain that comes with vomiting
- a swollen tummy and no bowel movement or wind
- constipation that doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks of changes
What to expect
Your first appointment lasts an hour. We ask about your pregnancy, your due date and your symptoms, 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 and consultants
- Early-morning, evening and weekend appointments
- Receipts for insurance claims on request
What our patients say
Is acupuncture safe for constipation in pregnancy?
Acupuncture from a qualified practitioner is generally well tolerated in pregnancy, and side effects are usually mild. We adapt the points for each stage of pregnancy and never needle the bump.
How quickly will it work?
Most women notice a difference within two or three weekly sessions. It works best combined with the diet and routine changes we suggest.
Can I keep taking iron tablets?
Yes. Please don’t stop any supplement or medication your midwife or GP has prescribed. If iron is the problem, ask them whether a different preparation might suit you better.
Can acupuncture help with piles too?
Easing constipation reduces straining, which is the main thing that makes piles worse. Your midwife or GP can also suggest creams that are suitable in pregnancy.
Do you treat other pregnancy symptoms at the same time?
Yes. Constipation often comes with heartburn, nausea or back pain, and we can address these within the same session.
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: Heartburn in pregnancy · Morning sickness · Back and pelvic pain in pregnancy · Constipation · Pregnancy care
Written by The London Acupuncture Clinic’s practitioner team.
