Pregnancy Acupuncture Brisbane: Modern Practice, Trusted Care
PREGNANCY ACUPUNCTURE OFFERS CAREFUL, NATURAL SUPPORT THROUGH EVERY STAGE OF PREGNANCY. AT VESSEL, WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING THE BEST CARE FOR YOU, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
At Vessel Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Brisbane, we offer experienced, evidence-informed care to support your pregnancy naturally. From the first trimester through to post-dates care, our treatments are safe, personalised, and deeply rooted in both traditional knowledge and modern research.
Chinese Medicine has a long history of supporting women through pregnancy. The earliest recorded treatment for pregnant women is in a medical text called the Jin Gui Yao Lue, written around 200 CE. Since then, knowledge and skill in addressing common pregnancy-related concerns have steadily grown.
Acupuncture, when practised by a qualified practitioner, is considered safe in all stages of pregnancy (1). At Vessel, our degree-qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioners work closely with your primary care team to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Recommended in the Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines for pelvic pain (1), acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a gentle, drug-free support throughout pregnancy.
THE BENEFITS OF PREGNANCY ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a low-risk treatment option (3) used to support common pregnancy symptoms, including:
Nausea & vomiting
Insomnia and fatigue
Lower back, pelvic, hip, and pubic pain
Anxiety and emotional well-being
Reflux, bloating, and constipation
Labour preparation and post-dates care
THE EVIDENCE FOR PREGNANCY ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture for Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture and moxibustion could effectively alleviate nausea and vomiting and were relatively safe treatment options during pregnancy. Furthermore, this study found that acupuncture was more effective than medication in managing nausea and vomiting (4).
Many people report immediate improvement during their first treatment, and the results tend to build with each subsequent treatment, providing longer-lasting relief.
We will show you acupressure points to use at home to support you between treatments and help you navigate food choices to remain nourished.
Acupuncture to Support Sleep in Pregnancy
Sleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, and early intervention is recommended (5).
A small 2020 study found that 10 acupuncture treatments over three weeks significantly improved sleep quality in pregnant people. It concluded that acupuncture could be recommended as a low-risk alternative to pharmacological therapies (6).
By relieving aches, pain and discomfort with acupuncture, many people often report improved sleep.
Acupuncture for Musculoskeletal Pain in Pregnancy
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that overall, acupuncture significantly relieved lower back & pelvic pain during pregnancy (7).
Pregnancy-style cupping is also a safe and beneficial treatment option for lower back & pelvic pain (8). Cupping assists in muscle function and recovery through vasodilation and enhanced micro-circulation in the area.
Acupuncture for Digestion in Pregnancy
Acupuncture is commonly used to treat digestive symptoms such as loose bowels, constipation, bloating, hemorrhoids, acid reflux and indigestion, which often occur under the influence of hormonal and structural changes during pregnancy.
ACUPUNCTURE SUPPORT THROUGH EACH STAGE OF PREGNANCY
First Trimester: Settle nausea, support digestion, regulate sleep, and ease emotional overwhelm.
Second Trimester: Maintain energy, reduce pain, and continue healthy digestion and rest.
Third Trimester: Address musculoskeletal discomfort, support circulation, prepare body and mind for birth.
From 36 Weeks: Begin our birth preparation protocol — supporting cervical ripening, positioning, digestion, and mental readiness for labour.
OUR RECOMMENDED ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT SCHEDULE DURING PREGNANCY
1st trimester: Weekly
2nd trimester: Monthly or as needed
From 36 weeks: Weekly pre-birth sessions
Induction support: 3 sessions within 72 hours before medical induction
At Vessel, pregnancy acupuncture is delivered only by experienced, degree-qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioners. We understand how to modify treatments appropriately and avoid contraindicated points, ensuring both safety and comfort.
Ready to experience exceptional, personalised care? Book online to get started, or reach out with any questions about how acupuncture can support you at every stage of your pregnancy.