Acupuncture for Pregnancy

Throughout the different stages of pregnancy, acupuncture offers numerous benefits, from alleviating discomfort and promoting emotional wellbeing to preparing for labour. Our clients come to us seeking help with a variety of pregnancy-related issues, and we are proud to offer gentle and effective support at every stage.

Early Pregnancy Support

For many, pregnancy begins with a mix of excitement and anxiety, particularly in the first few weeks. This can be a delicate time, especially for those who have experienced pregnancy loss or had challenges with fertility. At Yin Wellness Brisbane, we understand the emotional complexities that can arise, and we use acupuncture to help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation and emotional balance (4). We also have an amazing network of professionals to further support you with these emotional challenges and navigate decisions around the type of pregnancy care that will suit you.

Morning Sickness, Nausea, and Fatigue

Acupuncture is a widely used approach to alleviate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, particularly in cases of morning sickness. By focusing on by stimulating specific acupuncture points and regulating the body’s energy, acupuncture helps to ease these symptoms and restore a sense of calm and well-being during what can be a challenging phase of pregnancy (5) This natural, drug-free option is especially beneficial during pregnancy when many medications are contraindicated, providing a safe alternative for pregnant people seeking relief from nausea.

Digestive Symptoms

We regularly treat issues such as indigestion, acid reflux, constipation, loose bowels, hemorrhoids and bloating. These symptoms can be influenced by hormonal changes and the growing uterus exerting pressure on the digestive system and acupuncture offers a holistic approach to alleviating common digestive symptoms during pregnancy (6).

Musculoskeletal Pain

As the body changes to accommodate a growing baby, aches and pains in areas like the hips, lower back, and pelvis are common. Acupuncture can effectively address musculoskeletal (MSK) pain by encouraging circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation in tight or strained muscles. Even the official Pregnancy Care Guidelines are now recommending acupuncture for pain in pregnancy with The Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines specifically recommending acupuncture for pelvic girdle pain (7).

Breech Presentation

For those whose babies are in a breech position, acupuncture can be used to encourage optimal positioning. Moxibustion, a traditional technique often used in combination with acupuncture, may help turn breech babies, giving them a better chance of being positioned head-down. The recent (2023) Cochrane Systematic Review found moderate certainty evidence that moxibustion before 37 weeks of pregnancy probably reduces the chance of breech presentation at birth and the need for oxytocin use during birth (8).

The ideal time for treating breech presentation with acupuncture and moxibustion is 33 to 36 weeks.

Labour Preparation (and “Acupuncture Induction”)

As the due date approaches, many individuals turn to acupuncture to help prepare their body for labour. We recommend acupuncture specifically for Labour Preparation from 36 weeks. Our focus is to support cervical ripening, encourage relaxation, and promote a natural and efficient labour process. By focusing on specific acupuncture points that relate to the reproductive system, we aim to help the body naturally transition into labour and minimise interventions (9).

You can read more about labour preparation (and why we don’t call it “induction acupuncture” in this blog – https://www.fertilityacupuncturebrisbane.com/acupuncture-for-labour-preparation/

This preparatory work can also help address any lingering discomfort or anxiety, fostering a more peaceful and confident mindset as birth nears. Acupuncture during the final weeks of pregnancy is a wonderful way to not only physically prepare for labour but also to embrace the emotional and mental aspects of childbirth with calmness and clarity. We also use this time to share details of our professional networks recommending mother’s groups, lactation consultants and other postpartum care options.

Pregnancy Acupuncture at Yin Wellness Brisbane

At Yin Wellness Brisbane, we are committed to creating a nurturing environment where pregnant individuals can feel safe, supported, and empowered. Our practitioners take the time to listen to your unique needs and tailor each acupuncture session to your specific stage of pregnancy and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Whether you are seeking help in the early stages of pregnancy, looking for relief from physical discomfort, or preparing for the birthing process, our team is here to provide compassionate and effective care. With our deep focus on fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum support, we are honoured to be part of your journey into parenthood.

Our approach is always gentle, safe, and evidence-based, ensuring that you receive the best possible care for you and your baby. At Yin Wellness Brisbane, your well-being is our priority, and we look forward to supporting you throughout this incredible journey.

References

Park, J., Sohn, Y., White, A. R., & Lee, H. (2014). The safety of acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review. Acupunct Med, 32(3), 257-266. doi:10.1136/acupmed-2013-010480

Clarkson CE, O’Mahony D, Jones DE. Adverse event reporting in studies of penetrating acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2015;94(5):453–464. doi:10.1111/aogs.12587

Moon HY, Kim MR, Hwang DS, et al. Safety of acupuncture during pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study in Korea. BJOG. 2020;127(1):79–86. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.15925

Ormsby SM, Smith C, Dahlen H, Hay, P. (2020). The feasibility of acupuncture as an adjunct intervention for antenatal depression: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.05.089

Lee A, Chan SKC, Fan LTY. Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD003281. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003281.pub4

Zhang, W., Lang, F., Zhang, L., Wang, Z., & Zhang, P. (2015). Effectiveness of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, Article ID 531540. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/531540

The Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines – Common Conditions during Pregnancy: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/pregnancy-care-guidelines/part-i-common-conditions-during-pregnancy/pelvic-girdle-pain

Coyle ME, Smith C, Peat B. Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD003928. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003928.pub4

Smith CA, Armour M, Dahlen HG. Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD002962. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub4

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