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Finding Comfort and Reassurance in the Early Weeks of Pregnancy

  • Writer: Amanda Preston
    Amanda Preston
  • May 5
  • 4 min read



Finally! You see that glorious, long awaited tiny little second line! For some, finding out you are pregnant can bring as much anxiety as it can joy. The biggest concern I see in early pregnancy is the worry about the risk of miscarriage, particularly if this is something that has happened to you before. Early losses do happen, but the likelihood of a healthy live birth increases significantly with each passing week.


Whilst there's a 1 in 4 chance of a live birth at conception, this chance jumps dramatically to 95% just 4 weeks later - at 8 weeks - and then to a very reassuring 98% at 12 weeks.


Detecting a heartbeat at 8 weeks is a strong sign of a healthy pregnancy. A study published in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (PubMed – PMID: 18310375) indicates that once a heartbeat is confirmed at 8 weeks, the risk of miscarriage decreases to about 1.6% for women without symptoms, which is even lower than the previously mentioned 5%.


This is the reason I often suggest having a scan at around 8 weeks if every day before the 12 week scan feels like an eternity. The ultrasound scans can be done locally privately, at a cost of between £99 and £145.


In addition to having a detectable heartbeat, this crucial stage around 8 weeks is known as the embryonic period. It is when the embryo starts forming most major organ systems. Successfully completing this stage greatly reduces the risk of developmental abnormalities that could result in miscarriage.


Also by the 8th week, the placenta has developed and formed tiny finger-like projections (villi) that extend into the wall of the uterus. These structures establish a rich blood supply, ensuring the embryo receives all the oxygen and nutrients it needs . The placenta also begins to produce hormones essential for maintaining the pregnancy, such as progesterone and oestrogen .


By the time you reach 12 weeks, it is widely recognised that most of the early risks have subsided:

• The baby’s structure is mostly formed.

• The placenta has fully taken over hormone production.

• Most women begin to feel more confident in their pregnancy.


Chances of live birth at 12 weeks: ~98%


This is often why many people choose to share their pregnancy news at this point.


Advice for Women in Early Pregnancy


If you’re in the early stages of pregnancy:

Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest.

Come and have some acupuncture, it's great for morning sickness and keeping you feeling relaxed and supported.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns to your GP or midwife.


Conclusion: You’re Not Alone—And Things Are Likely to Be Okay


While the early weeks of pregnancy can be nerve-wracking, research shows that once certain milestones are reached—particularly a heartbeat at 8 weeks—the outlook becomes very positive. By understanding what’s happening in your body, you can replace worry with knowledge and feel more in control of the journey.


And remember: you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it’s a partner, a trusted friend, or your friendly neighbourhood acupuncturist, having emotional and practical support can make all the difference. Your body is working hard to nurture new life—and chances are, it’s doing a brilliant job.


References:

1. Foetal Heartbeat and Miscarriage Risk

Study: Viability of Intrauterine Pregnancy With a Heartbeat at 6–10 Weeks Gestation

Journal: Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 2008


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2. Embryonic Development at 8 Weeks

Resource: Merck Manual Consumer Version

Page: Placenta and Embryo at About 8 Weeks


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3. Placenta Development and Hormonal Support

Resource: Cleveland Clinic – Placenta

Resource: Health Service Executive (HSE) Ireland – Pregnancy Weeks 0–8


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4. Chromosomal Abnormalities and Early Miscarriage

Resource: American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) – Early Pregnancy Loss

Link: acog.org



Key Studies on Acupuncture for Morning Sickness

  1. Randomized Controlled Trial by Smith et al. (2002)A study involving 593 women under 14 weeks pregnant found that those receiving traditional acupuncture reported significantly less nausea and dry retching compared to a no-acupuncture control group. The effects were observed from the second week of treatment. However, no significant differences were noted in vomiting among the groups.

  2. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2024)This analysis of 24 randomized controlled trials with 2,390 participants concluded that acupuncture combined with Western medicine significantly reduced Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) scores and ineffective treatment rates compared to Western medicine alone. Acupuncture was also found to be as effective as Western medicine in some outcomes.

  3. Cochrane Review (2016)A comprehensive review of 41 trials involving 5,449 women found limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for NVP. The review highlighted a lack of high-quality studies and emphasized the need for more rigorous research.

  4. Acupuncture and Moxibustion Systematic Review (2022)This review confirmed the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion for NVP, noting that acupuncture is generally safe during early pregnancy. However, it cautioned about potential needle-related adverse events.


 
 
 
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