Acupuncture and Pregnancy Brisbane

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, filled with change, anticipation, and at times, discomfort. Acupuncture offers a safe, gentle, and effective way to support your body and mind through each stage — from conception to birth and beyond. Whether you’re experiencing morning sickness, back pain, fatigue, or simply want to prepare your body for labour, Acupuncture provides natural support that complements conventional care.

How Acupuncture Supports Pregnancy

Acupuncture works by gently stimulating specific points on the body to restore balance, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system. During pregnancy, it can help your body adjust to hormonal and physical changes while easing many of the most common symptoms.

Common reasons people seek acupuncture in pregnancy include:

• Morning sickness and nausea

• Fatigue and insomnia

• Lower back, hip or pelvic pain

• Headaches and tension

• Anxiety and mood changes

• Heartburn and digestive discomfort

• Fluid retention and swelling

• Preparation for labour (from 36 weeks)

Modern research continues to explore how acupuncture supports pregnancy and childbirth.

What the Research Says

Recent systematic reviews and clinical trials have found that:

• Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting): Acupuncture and acupressure at Acupuncture point Pericardium 6 can significantly reduce nausea intensity compared with standard care.

• Low back and pelvic girdle pain: Studies show improved pain relief and mobility, with no serious adverse effects reported.

• Labour induction: Evidence remains inconsistent — some women report positive experiences, but large studies show no clear difference in labour onset or cesarean rates.

• Breech presentation: Moxibustion at Acupuncture point Urinary Bladder 67 may increase the chance of the baby turning to a head-down position, though results vary between studies.

While more high-quality research is still needed, overall findings suggest that acupuncture is a safe and supportive option for many pregnancy-related symptoms when performed by an Ahprah registered Acupuncturist.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

When provided by a AHPRA registered Acupuncturist, Acupuncture is considered very safe in pregnancy.
Side effects, when they occur, are generally mild and short-lived — such as temporary soreness, bruising, or lightheadedness.
Only pregnancy-safe points are used, and your comfort and safety guide each session.

Trimester-by-Trimester Care

First Trimester: Supports energy, calms anxiety, and eases nausea and early pregnancy symptoms.
Second Trimester: Focuses on relieving back or pelvic pain, improving sleep, and promoting digestion.
Third Trimester: Encourages relaxation, supports optimal positioning, and prepares the body for birth.
Labour Preparation (from 36 weeks): Gently helps the mind and body prepare for labour and delivery.
Postnatal Recovery: Promotes recovery, supports milk supply, and restores balance and energy.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your session begins with a gentle consultation about your symptoms and pregnancy stage.
As you relax on the treatment table, very fine, sterile needles are then placed in specific points — usually on the legs, arms and head.
Treatments are deeply relaxing; many people even drift off to sleep.
Each session typically lasts around 45–60 minutes.

About Michelle Blum

Michelle Blum – Women’s Health Acupuncturist & Naturopath

Michelle has a special interest in women’s health, fertility, and pregnancy care. With a gentle, evidence-informed approach, she combines traditional wisdom of Oriental medicine together with modern scientific Naturopathic understanding to support women throughout their pregnancy journey.

Based on the south-side of Brisbane, Michelle provides a calm, nurturing space where you can relax and reconnect with your body.

Book a Session

If you’d like to experience how acupuncture can support your pregnancy, Michelle would love to help.
Book your appointment today or contact Michelle to discuss how acupuncture can complement your pregnancy care.

References

1. Smith C.A. et al. (2021). Acupuncture for depression, anxiety and insomnia in pregnancy: A systematic review. Women and Birth, 34(2): e99–e108.

2. Smith C.A. et al. (2018). Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD007753.

3. Elden H. et al. (2015). Acupuncture or stabilising exercises for pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy: Randomised controlled trial. BMJ, 330(7494): 761.

4. Smith C.A. et al. (2022). Acupuncture or acupressure for labour induction. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD002962.

5. Coyle M.E. et al. (2012). Moxibustion for correcting breech presentation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 12(81).

6. White A. et al. (2019). Adverse events following acupuncture: A systematic review of the literature. International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine, 30(3): 147–160.