Acupuncture for Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a misleading name. For many women it lasts all day, and for some it goes on well beyond the first trimester. It is common, but that doesn’t mean nothing can be done. Nausea and vomiting is one of the pregnancy symptoms we treat most often, and one where women often feel a real difference quickly.
Book an initial consultation or call 0207 935 2030 for a free 15-minute chat.
How we treat it
In Chinese medicine, we look closely at the pattern of your sickness. Nausea with heartburn, a bitter taste and irritability is treated differently from nausea with tiredness, a poor appetite and a heavy feeling. Those details guide the points we use.
- Acupuncture: gentle and adapted for early pregnancy, usually weekly. When sickness is severe, we may suggest two sessions in the first week.
- Acupressure: we show you the P6 point on the inside of your wrist to press at home, and explain how to use acupressure wristbands.
- Diet: small, frequent, plain meals, not letting yourself get too hungry, sipping fluids through the day, and noticing your own triggers.
We find that women who have treatment before and during the first trimester often have an easier time of it. We also regularly treat women who are already struggling at 8, 10 or 12 weeks.
What the research shows
Acupressure is now part of mainstream advice.
- NICE guidance on severe pregnancy sickness — when NICE published its draft recommendations, acupressure was one of the three treatments recommended, alongside anti-sickness medicine and intravenous fluids.
Research on acupuncture itself is more mixed, and some trials have found little difference from sham treatment. Many women find it helps, and it is a drug-free option you can use alongside anything your GP prescribes.
A case history
Jill (not her real name) came to us at eight weeks pregnant. She felt sick all day and was vomiting once or twice a day. After her first treatment the vomiting stopped. After her second, the nausea had eased enough for her to go back to work. She carried on with treatment through her pregnancy for heartburn and constipation, and came back after the birth to help her get her strength back.
Hyperemesis gravidarum
A small number of women develop hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe form of pregnancy sickness that needs medical treatment. Contact your GP, midwife or NHS 111 the same day if:
- you can’t keep any food or fluids down for 24 hours
- you have very dark urine, or haven’t passed urine for more than 8 hours
- you feel dizzy or faint when you stand up
- you are losing weight
- you are vomiting blood, or have tummy pain or a fever
We can still support women with HG alongside their medical treatment, but acupuncture must never replace it.
What to expect
Your first appointment lasts an hour. We ask about your pregnancy, how long you have been unwell and what you can keep down, 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 in early pregnancy?
Acupuncture from a qualified practitioner is generally well tolerated in pregnancy, including the first trimester. We use gentle treatment, avoid the points traditionally avoided in pregnancy, and side effects are usually mild.
How quickly will it help?
Some women notice a difference after the first session. Most can tell within two or three sessions whether it is helping.
Do acupressure wristbands work?
Many women find them helpful, and they are cheap and easy to use. We show you where the point is so the band sits in the right place.
Can I have acupuncture while taking anti-sickness medication?
Yes. Acupuncture can be used alongside anything your GP has prescribed. Please don’t stop medication without speaking to them.
What if my sickness is severe?
If you have any of the warning signs above, see your GP, midwife or NHS 111 first. Once you are under medical care, acupuncture can be a useful extra support.
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 · Constipation in pregnancy · Nausea and vomiting · Fertility · Pregnancy care
Written by The London Acupuncture Clinic’s practitioner team.
