PREGNANCY &
POSTPARTUM CARE
Pregnancy is a time of signifiant change for the body and mind.
While many women experience pregnancy as a joyful and exciting time, others may find it physically or emotionally challenging. Wherever you are on your pregnancy journey, our team is here to provide supportive, drug-free care tailored to your needs.
We also support recovery after birth, recognising that postpartum care is an essential part of the pregnancy journey, helping the body adapt, heal and regain strength in the months following childbirth.
Supportive, drug-free care through pregnancy and beyond
At Waitākere Health Hub, we offer integrated, drug-free support for women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Using a combination of osteopathy, acupuncture and pregnancy massage, our team supports the physical, hormonal and emotional changes that occur throughout pregnancy and after birth.
Our approach recognises pregnancy and postpartum as a continuum — supporting comfort, function and recovery as your body adapts, prepares for birth, and then heals and rebalances in the months that follow.
How pegnancy affects the body
Pregnancy places unique demands on the body. Hormonal changes (including the influence of relaxin) increase joint mobility, while postural changes, altered movement patterns and everyday demands can amplify pre-existing aches and imbalances.
As pregnancy progresses, these changes can contribute to:
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Back, hip and pelvic pain
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Neck and shoulder tension
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Rib and thoracic discomfort
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Changes in posture and gait
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Increased muscle fatigue
The position and alignment of the pelvis can influence comfort during pregnancy and may also play a role in how your baby positions themselves and how labour unfolds.
Osteopathy during pregnancy & postpartum
Pregnancy osteopathy focuses on supporting the body’s natural adaptations, helping to reduce discomfort and optimise movement as your body changes.
Treatment may help support:
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Back, hip and pelvic pain
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Postural strain from sitting, lifting and daily tasks
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Pelvic and lower back load as pregnancy progresses
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Comfort and mobility during late pregnancy
Postpartum osteopathy supports recovery after birth, when the body is adjusting again — often while caring for a newborn, feeding, lifting and sleeping less.
Postpartum care may focus on:
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Pelvic and spinal re-balancing
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Recovery from birth (vaginal or caesarean)
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Back, neck and shoulder pain related to feeding and carrying
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Gradual return to movement and exercise
Pregnancy & postpartum massage
Pregnancy massage is a gentle and nurturing way to:
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Reduce muscle tension
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Improve circulation
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Ease aches and pains
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Support relaxation and nervous system regulation
Many women also choose massage as intentional self-care — taking time to rest and recharge before birth.
Postpartum massage can be equally valuable, helping the body unwind, recover and release tension accumulated during birth and early parenting.
Acupuncture during pregnancy
Acupuncture is a non-invasive therapy using very fine, sterile, single-use needles to stimulate specific points on the body. During pregnancy, the increased circulation can enhance the body’s response, often allowing for fewer needles and gentler treatments.
Acupuncture is commonly used to support symptoms that may occur during a normal pregnancy, including:
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Nausea and vomiting
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Heartburn and digestive discomfort
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Constipation
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Varicose veins and haemorrhoids
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Sinus congestion
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Oedema (swelling)
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Fatigue and exhaustion
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Anxiety, low mood or emotional overwhelm
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Pregnancy-related hypertension (in conjunction with medical care)
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Recurrent urinary tract symptoms
Early pregnancy & first trimester support
Acupuncture can be particularly supportive during the first trimester, especially for women who experience significant nausea, fatigue or emotional stress.
Early pregnancy care often focuses on:
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Reducing stress and calming the nervous system
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Supporting hormonal balance
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Supporting fetus retention
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Encouraging healthy circulation
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Supporting overall wellbeing during a critical phase of development
Treatment frequency is often weekly during the first trimester, allowing ongoing support as pregnancy establishes.
Early pregnancy & first trimester support
Acupuncture can be particularly supportive during the first trimester, especially for women who experience significant nausea, fatigue or emotional stress.
Early pregnancy care often focuses on:
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Reducing stress and calming the nervous system as stress increases cortisol which reduces progesterone1
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Supporting hormonal balance2
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Supporting fetus retention
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Encouraging healthy circulation
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Supporting overall wellbeing during a critical phase of development
Treatment frequency is often weekly during the first trimester, allowing ongoing support as pregnancy establishes.
Acupuncture in late pregnancy & birth preparation
From around 36 weeks, acupuncture is commonly used as part of birth preparation. Observational studies and clinical experience suggest it may support:2,3
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More efficient labour patterns
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Reduced duration of labour
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Lower rates of certain medical interventions
While labour is always unpredictable, many women choose pre-birth acupuncture as a supportive, non-pharmacological option as they approach birth.
Breech presentation & moxibustion
For babies in a breech position, moxibustion may be recommended as a take-home treatment.
This involves:
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An initial consultation to assess suitability
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Instruction in using a moxa stick over BL-67 (Zhiyin)
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A short daily treatment protocol completed at home
Women often report increased fetal movement during treatment. This approach is commonly used alongside osteopathic care and may be combined with other positioning strategies.4
Postpartum recovery & ongoing support
The postpartum period, often called the golden hour, or fourth trimester, is a time of significant physical and emotional adjustment. Even when birth goes smoothly, the body has undergone profound change.
Our postpartum support may help with:
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Pelvic floor and core recovery (check out the TeslaFormer Chair and Pilates)
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Back, neck and shoulder pain
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Scar or tissue tension after caesarean birth
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Gradual return to exercise and daily activity
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Ongoing fatigue and nervous system support
Care can be adapted whether you are weeks, months or even years postpartum.
Support through every stage
If you’re navigating pregnancy, preparing for birth, or adjusting to life postpartum and would like supportive, drug-free care, we’re here to help.
Contact us to discuss which therapies may be right for you.
Resources
References:
1. Goddijn M, Leschot N. Genetic aspects of miscarriage. Bailliere’s Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2000;14:855–65.
2. D Betts. The use of acupuncture as a routine pre birth treatment. Journal of Chinese medicine. 2004;76
3. Betts D, Lennox S. Acupuncture for prebirth treatment: An observational study of its use in midwifery practice. Medical acupuncture. 2006;17(3):16-19
4. Van den Berg I, Kaandorp G, Bosch J, Duvekot J, Arends L, Hununk M. Cost-effectiveness of breech version by acupuncture-type interventions on BL 67, including moxibustion, for women with a breech foetus at 33 weeks gestation: a modelling approach. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2010;18, 67—77.