Nausea, pelvic pain, poor sleep — during pregnancy most medications are off the table, and "it's just part of it" doesn't get you through the day. Lily Chen supports pregnant women with gentle acupuncture, tailored to your pregnancy and always alongside the care of your midwife.
Pregnancy complaints are frustrating precisely because the usual solutions are off the table. Most medication is discouraged, and many complaints — nausea, pelvic pain, heartburn, restless nights — get dismissed as something you simply have to live with. That's understandable, but it doesn't mean nothing can be done. Acupuncture is a gentle, medication-free way to ease these complaints, which is why more and more midwives mention it as a complementary option.
From a TCM perspective, pregnancy asks a great deal of the body: the mother's energy and blood go first to the child, which can create complaints elsewhere. Treatment during pregnancy is therefore deliberately gentle and supportive — no intensive techniques, just soft stimulation of points that are safe at every stage. Lily has extensive experience with pregnant patients and knows exactly which points she can and cannot use. Acupuncture never replaces your midwife's care; it complements it.
Pregnancy-related nausea is one of the best-researched applications of acupuncture, with the point P6 (Neiguan, on the inside of the wrist) as the best-known example. Many women find that after a few treatments the nausea becomes more manageable — not a miracle cure, but noticeable relief during a period when medication isn't an option.
As pregnancy progresses, pelvic and back complaints often increase. Acupuncture can reduce tension in the muscles involved and ease the pain, without the burden of medication. Treatment can also bring relief for sciatica, fluid retention and carpal tunnel complaints during pregnancy.
In the case of a breech presentation, moxibustion (warming a point near the little toe) can be used around week 33–36 to give the baby room to turn — a treatment that has been used in TCM for centuries. From week 36–37, acupuncture can also support preparation for labour. Both are always discussed with your midwife.
Not sure whether acupuncture suits your complaint, or your stage of pregnancy? Get in touch — Lily is happy to advise, free of obligation.
Lily takes the time to hear your story: how the pregnancy is going, which week you're in, which complaints you're experiencing, and what care you're already receiving from your midwife or obstetrician. Based on this, she draws up a gentle treatment plan suited to your stage of pregnancy. You receive your first treatment right away.
The number of treatments depends on the complaint: nausea often calls for weekly sessions for as long as the complaint persists, while pelvic and back complaints usually respond noticeably within 4–6 treatments. The treatment is gentle — you lie comfortably, on your side in later stages, and each session is adjusted to how you're feeling that day.
During pregnancy, Lily uses only points and techniques suited to this stage of life. In the case of a breech presentation, moxibustion may be used; more intensive techniques are avoided or adapted. Everything is discussed with you — and, where relevant, with your midwife.
From week 36–37, acupuncture can be used to help prepare for labour. Treatments can also support recovery after childbirth — for fatigue, pelvic complaints, or regaining strength in the first months.
| Session | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| First visit (incl. consultation & treatment plan) | 85 min | €100 |
| Follow-up treatment | 60 min | €90 |
| Extended session | 90 min | €105 |
✓ Reimbursed by most Dutch supplementary insurance plans — Zhong NVTCG & S.C.A.G registered. Simply submit the invoice to your insurer after treatment. More about insurance →
"I was so nauseous in the first months that I couldn't keep anything down. The treatments with Lily made it bearable. She was incredibly thorough and put me completely at ease."
"From week 28 I had a lot of pelvic pain. After a few sessions I could walk and sleep better again. Lily always took into account how far along I was and talked through what was and wasn't possible."
"On my midwife's advice I came in for moxa for a breech presentation. Our daughter turned — I can't say for sure whether it was because of the treatment, but the guidance was warm and professional."
With an experienced, registered practitioner, acupuncture is considered safe during pregnancy. There are certain points that are avoided during pregnancy — Lily knows these and works only with points and techniques suited to your stage. Always mention when booking that you are pregnant and how many weeks along you are, so the treatment can be tailored accordingly.
In principle, at any stage — many women come in during the first trimester specifically for nausea. Treatment is adapted to each stage: gentle and supportive in the early stages, focused on pelvic and back complaints later in pregnancy, and from week 36–37 possibly geared toward preparation for labour.
Nausea is one of the best-researched applications of acupuncture, and many women experience noticeable relief. To be honest, it doesn't work equally well for everyone, and in cases of severe, persistent nausea with dehydration or weight loss (hyperemesis gravidarum), your GP or obstetrician should be your first point of contact. Acupuncture can still be used as a complementary treatment in that case.
With moxibustion, a point near the little toe (BL67) is warmed using a moxa stick — painless, and without any needles on the abdomen. It has been used in TCM for breech presentations for centuries, usually around week 33–36, and midwives in the Netherlands regularly mention it as an option too. There is no guarantee that the baby will turn; always discuss the timing with your midwife, for example alongside a possible external cephalic version.
No. Your midwife or obstetrician always remains responsible for the medical guidance of your pregnancy. Acupuncture is a complement to that care, aimed at easing complaints and supporting your wellbeing. Lily advises you to let your midwife know that you are receiving acupuncture.
Yes, under most supplementary insurance plans. Tianyi is Zhong NVTCG & S.C.A.G registered. After each treatment you receive an invoice with an AGB code to submit for reimbursement.
In case of bleeding, reduced foetal movement, severe or sudden abdominal pain, premature contractions, or other concerning signs: always contact your midwife or GP first. Acupuncture is intended for discomforts and complaints within an otherwise normally progressing pregnancy.
Book an appointment today. Your first session is always a getting-to-know-you visit — including intake and a treatment plan suited to your stage of pregnancy.
