National Award-Winning Acupuncturist
Pregnancy Acupuncture London
Gentle and safe pregnancy acupuncture in Central London, delivered by our expert team led by Award-Winning Acupuncturist Irina Szmelskyj, with over 20 years of experience.
20+
Years of Reproductive System Acupuncture Experience
10+
Years Teaching Acupuncture for Reproductive System
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Pregnancy is a time of wonder, marking the beginning of a life-changing journey. It’s a period of profound transformation, nurturing a new life within. While this journey brings joy and anticipation, it can also introduce physical and emotional challenges.
Pregnancies can be particularly difficult after fertility treatment or experiences of miscarriage, adding an extra layer of complexity and emotional weight to this already significant life event.
At Conceivable London Fertility Acupuncture Clinic, we offer empathic, supportive acupuncture care to enhance your pregnancy journey, improving comfort and wellbeing alongside your medical care.
Our Specialist Acupuncture in Pregnancy Treatment Services
Comprehensive acupuncture care for every stage, from conception to labour and beyond
Acupuncture treatment for morning sickness
Ease morning sickness with gentle, effective acupuncture, providing relief from nausea for a more comfortable pregnancy.
Acupuncture for back pain and pelvic pain in pregnancy
Relieve common pregnancy discomforts like back pain, pelvic pain, sciatica, and even pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome with gentle and effective acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture for pregnancy headaches and migraines
Reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines caused by pregnancy with specialised acupuncture care.
Acupuncture for pregnancy sleeping problems
Improve your sleep quality with acupuncture techniques focused on promoting relaxation and restful nights.
Acupuncture for mental health in pregnancy
Maintain emotional balance during pregnancy with acupuncture, helping to regulate hormones and reduce stress for overall happiness and health.
Pre-birth acupuncture for labour preparation
Prepare your body and mind for labour with pre-birth acupuncture, promoting a natural and smoother birthing process.
Acupuncture for labour induction
Complement medical induction methods with acupuncture to promote timely and natural labour onset.
Acupressure for natural labour pain relief
Learn effective acupressure techniques for pain relief during labour, empowering you and your birthing partner with natural pain management tools.
Acupuncture for postnatal recovery
Facilitate a faster and more comfortable postpartum recovery with acupuncture, aiding physical health and emotional balance.
“I cannot recommend Irina highly enough, particularly to any woman who is trying to conceive, is getting ready for IVF or is pregnant.
Not only did Irina’s acupuncture treatments result in a healthy pregnancy after years of heartache miscarrying many times and then not being able to conceive at all, but she supported me well above and beyond the call of duty during those worrying pregnancy months.
Irina is a skilled and highly experienced acupuncturist, has a real empathy for the people she treats and her integrity and passion shine through in bucket loads.”
H.D.
Specialist Pregnancy and Fertility Acupuncturist in London
Irina Szmelskyj DipAc, MSc, MBAcC, MBMAS, MAAC
- Acupuncturist with over 20 years of experience
- National Award Winner
- Internationally renowned acupuncture lecturer
- Co-author of no.1 textbook on Fertility Acupuncture and IVF
- Ad hoc peer reviewer for The Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Qualifications
- 2003 Diploma in Acupuncture, Northern College of Acupuncture, York, UK
- 2004 Master of Science in Acupuncture (Distinction), University of Wales, UK
- 2004 Certificate in Pre-prepared Chinese Herbal Medicine, York, UK
- 2013 Fertility, gynaecology and early pregnancy ultrasound scanning, The College of Radiographers, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
Awards
- 2004 Recipient of The National Research Excellent Award, London, UK
- 2018 Nominated for The NCA Acupuncture Hero Award, York, UK
- 2021 Recipient of The Micro Business of the Year Silver Award, Huntingdonshire District Council, UK
Professional Memberships
- Member of The British Acupuncture Council
- Member of The British Medical Acupuncture Society
- Member of The Association of Acupuncture Clinicians
- Member of The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
- Member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
- Member of The British Fertility Society
“Excellent is all I can say. I always enjoy seeing Irina and having the acupuncture (well once the needles are in anyway!). Whilst it is hard to know if it is really doing anything, I do feel like this is a contributor for where I am now (happily 12+ weeks pregnant after years of heartache and failures). And I can’t deny the evidence in front of me. I like how knowledgeable and professional she is, and she always goes that extra bit further to make me feel important and deserving of her time. After being initially sceptical on acupuncture, I am definitely now in a position to say that I would recommend it.”
A.D.
Acupuncture in Pregnancy: FAQs
Is acupuncture safe in pregnancy?
When can you start having acupuncture during pregnancy?
Obstetric acupuncture can be beneficial throughout the pregnancy. It is especially helpful in the first trimester to help with morning sickness, fatigue, and other common pregnancy symptoms. Acupuncture can also be used later in the pregnancy to help prepare for labour and delivery.
How often can you have acupuncture sessions while pregnant?
The frequency of treatments typically depends on the individual, but it is generally recommended to receive acupuncture treatments once a week during the first trimester and once or twice a week in preparation for labour. Patients with a history of recurrent miscarriage may benefit from more frequent acupuncture. Our acupuncturist will discuss the best treatment plan with you.
Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?
Yes, many health insurance plans cover acupuncture treatments for pregnancy-related conditions. But always check with your insurer first before you book your first consultation.
What is the difference between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine Acupuncture?
- TCM Acupuncture: The original foundation of acupuncture, TCM focuses on restoring balance to the body’s energy flow (qi) through specific pathways (meridians).
- Western Medicine Acupuncture: Informed by modern scientific research, this approach focuses on the nervous system, muscle stimulation, and pain relief.
Our acupuncturists are trained in both TCM and Western medicine acupuncture. This allows us to draw on the rich history of acupuncture while using the latest scientific understanding to create the most effective treatment plan for your pregnancy.
What are "forbidden" acupuncture points?
“Forbidden” acupuncture points refer to specific areas on the body that are historically avoided during pregnancy due to beliefs about potential harm. However, contemporary research suggests these points are generally safe, though out of respect for tradition and an abundance of caution, they are often still avoided.
For a more comprehensive understanding of acupuncture’s safety, please read our article Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
Have Another Question?
Send us a message.
Acupuncture for Pregnancy Related Conditions
“I cannot recommend Irina highly enough, particularly to any woman who is trying to conceive, is getting ready for IVF or is pregnant.
Not only did Irina’s acupuncture treatments result in a healthy pregnancy after years of heartache miscarrying many times and then not being able to conceive at all, but she supported me well above and beyond the call of duty during those worrying pregnancy months.
Irina is a skilled and highly experienced acupuncturist, has a real empathy for the people she treats and her integrity and passion shine through in bucket loads.”
H.D.
Acupuncture in Pregnancy, London
Our central London acupuncture clinic is easily accessible, just a 2-minute walk from NCP London Bloomsbury Square parking and within a short walk of Holborn, Tottenham Court Road, and Russell Square London underground stations.