Acupuncture and Pregnancy Brisbane

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey in a woman’s life, 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 of pregnancy.

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)

Whether you’re experiencing morning sickness, back pain, fatigue, or simply want to prepare your body for labour, Acupuncture provides natural, safe and effective support.

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 may help to balance the qi and meridian system in your body as it goes through the various hormonal and physical stages.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

When provided by an AHPRA registered Acupuncturist, Acupuncture is considered very safe in pregnancy.

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 chat about about any symptoms you may be experiencing at your particular stage of pregnancy.

Once you are 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 women often do drift off to sleep.

Each session typically lasts around 45–60 minutes.

A little more about Michelle……

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

Based in Moorooka a south side Brisbane suburb, Michelle provides a calm, nurturing space where you can relax and feel rest assured that you will receive expert care.

If you’d like to include Acupuncture as part of your pregnancy care plan, Michelle would love to help.

Book your appointment today or contact Michelle to discuss how pregnancy acupuncture can help.

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.