Acupuncture for Musculoskeletal Pain in Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings many amazing changes… but often also aches and pains that can make daily life challenging. From pelvic girdle pain and pubic symphysis discomfort to back, hip, leg, and neck tension, these musculoskeletal issues are common during pregnancy, but they are manageable. Many of the people we see in clinic find acupuncture helpful for easing discomfort and supporting overall wellbeing.
In Chinese medicine, pain often reflects a blockage or imbalance in the flow of qi (energy) and blood. Acupuncture works to restore that flow and promote balance, and because we take a whole-person approach, treatments may support not only physical comfort but also energy, sleep, digestion, and emotional wellbeing.
Common Pregnancy Pains We See in Clinic
At Yin, we regularly see people experiencing a wide range of musculoskeletal and related pregnancy pains including:
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Pelvic girdle pain & pubic symphysis pain: sharp or aching sensations at the front or back of the pelvis.
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Back and hip pain: including sciatica or nerve-related aching.
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Round ligament pain: sudden pulling or stabbing sensations in the lower abdomen or groin.
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Coccyx (tailbone) pain: often aggravated by sitting.
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Rib pain: aching or sharp sensations under the ribs as the uterus expands.
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Pelvic floor pain: heaviness or aching in the pelvic region.
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Neck and shoulder tension: from posture changes and muscular strain.
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Leg cramps: painful spasms, often at night.
Because we look at the whole person, acupuncture doesn’t just focus on the area of pain. Some discomfort in pregnancy can also have an emotional or energetic component. Many people notice that as their pain eases, they feel calmer, sleep better, and experience improved digestion and reduced tension.
Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes. Research confirms acupuncture is safe during pregnancy when provided by a qualified practitioner (1). All of our Yin acupuncturists are degree-qualified and have completed additional training in acupuncture specifically in pregnancy.
Safe and effective point selection for each stage of pregnancy is a fundamental part of our acupuncture training. There are several points that are contraindicated in pregnancy because of their effect on the uterus, such as encouraging contractions – knowledge that is crucial for keeping you and your baby safe. This also makes acupuncture particularly useful in later stages of pregnancy, for example in labour preparation, where we carefully use points to support labour readiness in the weeks approaching your due date. Read more HERE. (2)
While many people seek physiotherapy for pregnancy-related musculoskeletal discomfort, acupuncture is also recommended by the Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines (3) for pelvic girdle pain and can support a wide range of other musculoskeletal discomforts. We encourage working with a full care team – the more support you have, the better – and many people find that combining acupuncture with physiotherapy, or other supportive therapies, helps them feel more comfortable throughout pregnancy.
You can read more in our blog – Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
Evidence Supporting Acupuncture for Pregnancy Pain
Research increasingly supports the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture for a range of pain conditions, including musculoskeletal discomfort commonly experienced in pregnancy. A recent (2025) narrative review by McDonald (4) highlights both the safety and efficacy of acupuncture for pain relief, while another recent (2025) review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews by Hempen & Hummelsberger (5) shows a growing, high-quality evidence base for acupuncture across multiple conditions.
With more pregnancy-specific trials continuing to emerge, these findings give confidence that acupuncture is a well-supported, non-drug approach to managing pain and supporting overall wellbeing during pregnancy.
For more information generally and the latest on acupuncture research CLICK HERE.
What to Expect in a Pregnancy Acupuncture Session
When you come in for pregnancy pain relief, our priority is to get you as comfortable as possible. We use plenty of pillows, and many people find the treatments so relaxing they drift off to sleep. Depending on your trimester and how you’re feeling on the day, you might be lying on your side, on your back, or even propped up in a seated position. Our electric tables make it easy to adjust your position and help you safely up and down, even if mobility is limited by pain.
Because Chinese medicine looks at the whole person, pain in pregnancy isn’t always just physical. Treatments may also support nausea, improved sleep, calmer digestion and reduced tension or anxiety. And if extra support is needed, we work closely with a trusted referral network of obstetricians, midwives, gynaecologists, physiotherapists, lactation consultants, psychologists, and more – so you can feel confident your care is well-rounded.
Pregnancy Pain Support at Yin Wellness Brisbane
Musculoskeletal pain in pregnancy is common, but it doesn’t need to be endured. At Yin, our degree-qualified acupuncturists have additional training in pregnancy care and are passionate about helping people feel more comfortable throughout this special time. We tailor each session to your needs, using pregnancy friendly electric tables and plenty of support to make treatments as relaxing as possible.
Located centrally in Woolloongabba with easy parking, we offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and Saturdays, so that caring for yourself fits easily into your life. If you’d like to explore how acupuncture can support you through pregnancy, our team at Yin is here to provide gentle, personalised care every step of the way.