Last Updated on 7 May 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Pregnancy and Acupuncture – Safe, Natural Support at Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Acupuncture during pregnancy offers gentle, tailored support to help you feel more balanced and comfortable as your body changes. At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, our experienced Acupuncturists use pregnancy-safe Acupuncture techniques to assist women throughout every trimester.
What to Expect From Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings many changes, and each woman’s experience is different. Our Practitioners assess your needs during each session and provide targeted Acupuncture based on what your body is experiencing—whether it’s early fatigue, sleep disruption, or pelvic pressure later in pregnancy.
Acupuncture is a gentle, needle-based therapy that involves placing very fine needles at specific points on the body. All our techniques are pregnancy-safe and adjusted for your trimester and presenting symptoms. We use specific positions that avoid pressure on the abdomen and accommodate your changing shape.
Our Practitioners work with patients from pre-conception through to birth preparation. Some women begin in the first trimester to help manage early symptoms, while others attend weekly in the final weeks to prepare their body for labour. We tailor each visit to your goals and health status.
Supporting Your Pregnancy with Natural Care
You don’t need to wait until symptoms are severe to book a session. Acupuncture is used preventatively and supportively throughout pregnancy. Many women find sessions help promote a greater sense of ease, particularly during times of hormonal fluctuation, rapid physical changes, or increased stress.
Our Practitioners have additional experience in women’s health and are confident working with pregnancy-related concerns. Each session includes time for a full discussion of your symptoms, current health, and stage of pregnancy so that we can adjust your care accordingly.
We support you with:
General wellbeing and energy support during pregnancy
Sessions tailored to each trimester
Techniques that align with your pregnancy plan and birth goals
Careful, safe needle placement by qualified Acupuncturists
Optional collaboration with your obstetrician or GP
Pregnancy Support Across Every Trimester
First Trimester
In early pregnancy, common concerns include fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness and emotional changes. Acupuncture may help regulate your nervous system, support circulation and allow your body to adapt more smoothly.
Second Trimester
As your energy begins to stabilise, Acupuncture can help you manage changes to posture, digestive shifts, and physical discomfort. This is also a good time to focus on general wellbeing and stress management.
Third Trimester
Later in pregnancy, many women book regular sessions to support pelvic comfort, back tension, sleep quality and birth preparation.
From 36 weeks, we can also adjust your sessions in line with your birth preferences and Practitioner recommendations.
And you may also wish to discuss Acupuncture for Labour Preparation and Support with your practitioner.
In Our Acupuncturist’s Experience
Acupuncture during Pregnancy. Making a wonderful time better. Pregnancy is a wondrous time in a woman’s life as you watch your body grow and change with each passing month. I remember being amazed by my body’s innate knowledge and ability to make a new human and bring it into the world – a true “superpower” in my humble opinion.
My awe of our reproductive cycle has evolved into using Acupuncture to support pregnant women manage their aches and pains and the emotional rollercoaster that hormones can create during this time. Acupuncture can be used to complement your existing medical care and provides a natural, drug-free therapy option when medication or other methods are unsuitable.
From a Chinese Medical perspective, some health conditions can improve during pregnancy (such as asthma/migraines). Still, if pre-existing deficiencies or disharmonies exist, the baby’s demands on the mother’s Qi (energy) and blood can cause ill health or discomfort (1).
Research shows Acupuncture can help to alleviate symptoms such as nausea, back pain, headaches, fatigue and depression (2, 3, 4). The insertion of small needles at specific points helps to move Qi and blood along channels throughout the body, unblocking stagnation to alleviate pain, and supporting deficiencies which regulate body function.
Towards the end of your pregnancy, regular Acupuncture can assist with oedema, pelvic pain, anxiety, constipation and labour preparation (1). Some Acupuncture points which are contraindicated during pregnancy can be used after 38 weeks to promote dilation of the cervix and enhance contractions, encouraging your baby to come out and greet the world (1).
Our specially designed pregnancy table has an adjustable belly hole which allows you to lie face down, ensuring comfort during treatment. Or you can use pillows to ensure you are comfortable lying on your side.
I look forward to meeting you and providing quality health care during your pregnancy.
Jasmine Peris, Registered Acupuncturist, Brisbane Livewell Clinic (Cannon Hill)
Caitlin Reilly, Registered Acupuncturist, Brisbane Livewell Clinic (Wavell Heights)
Experienced Practitioners, Individualised Care
Brisbane Livewell Clinic has supported many women through pregnancy and postnatal recovery using Acupuncture as part of their care. We create an environment where you can relax and feel supported while receiving personalised attention.
Our Practitioners are qualified and registered with AHPRA and have postgraduate training in working with women at all stages of the fertility and pregnancy journey.
If you’re unsure whether Acupuncture is suitable for you, you can contact our helpful Reception Team on (07) 3861 5881, who will be happy to guide you.
Can I Have Acupuncture During Pregnancy?
Many women choose Acupuncture as a safe, drug-free therapy option during pregnancy. Our Practitioners only use points and positions that are suitable during each stage of pregnancy. If you are receiving care from your obstetrician, GP or midwife, we are happy to coordinate care as needed.
While we cannot claim that Acupuncture cures or prevents pregnancy-related symptoms, it is used by many women as a complementary option to support their wellbeing.
We always respect your preferences, health history and concerns.
Why Choose Brisbane Livewell Clinic?
We understand the level of trust involved in selecting care during pregnancy. Our Acupuncturists are known for being attentive, professional and respectful of each patient’s goals and comfort levels.
You’ll never feel rushed, and each visit is tailored to how your body is feeling on the day.
Our clinic locations at Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill are designed for comfort and privacy, with easy access and convenient scheduling.
We offer flexible appointments throughout the week and can often accommodate last-minute bookings if you’re seeking support quickly.
Book a Pregnancy Acupuncture Appointment
Our friendly Reception Team is ready to help you book with one of our qualified Acupuncturists at Wavell Heights or Cannon Hill.
If you’d like to ask questions before booking, we welcome your call on (07) 3861 5881 or enquiry by email on [email protected].
We want you to feel confident and informed every step of the way.
FAQs
1. Can I start Acupuncture in the first trimester of pregnancy?
You can start Acupuncture early in pregnancy if you’re seeking natural support for symptoms or general wellbeing. Our Practitioners tailor your sessions based on your trimester and presentation.
2. How often should I have Acupuncture during pregnancy?
The frequency of Acupuncture during pregnancy depends on your goals and how you’re feeling. Many women attend fortnightly or weekly, especially later in pregnancy.
3. Are all Acupuncture points safe during pregnancy?
Some Acupuncture points are not used during pregnancy, and our Practitioners avoid these based on current guidelines. All of our Acupuncture protocols are adjusted for pregnancy safety and your comfort.
4. What does a pregnancy Acupuncture session involve?
A session includes a full consultation followed by tailored needle placement and rest time. You’ll be positioned safely and supported throughout the appointment. We provide pillows or pregnancy support equipment to make you more comfortable. And you are very welcome to have your partner in the room with you.
5. Does Acupuncture hurt during pregnancy?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort during treatment, and needles are extremely fine. Our Practitioners adjust technique to suit each patient’s sensitivity.
6. Can Acupuncture help me prepare for birth?
Acupuncture is often used from 36 weeks to support women in preparation for labour. Sessions are tailored to your needs and may help support relaxation and readiness.
7. Is Acupuncture safe if I’m high-risk or under specialist care?
Acupuncture can still be suitable if you’re under medical care, depending on your condition. Make sure you discuss with your specialist or GP whether acupuncture is safe with your particular condition. We welcome communication from your healthcare provider if needed.
8. Do I need a referral to have Acupuncture during pregnancy?
You don’t need a referral to book a pregnancy Acupuncture session with us. Simply contact our team to make an appointment.
9. Can I continue Acupuncture after giving birth?
Acupuncture can be beneficial postnatally to support recovery, mood and energy. Our Practitioners adjust your care based on your recovery needs.
10. How do I choose the right Practitioner for pregnancy Acupuncture?
Choosing a registered Acupuncturist with pregnancy experience is important. Our Practitioners have specific training and experience in pregnancy support.
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- The Ultimate Guide to Acupuncture in 2025
- Acupuncture and Fertility: How Does it Work?
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- 5 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Acupuncturist Session
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- Acupuncture Wavell Heights
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External References
- Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)
- Chinese Medicine – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
- Chinese Medicine Board of Australia
- Federation of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Societies of Australia (FCMA )
- National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, USA
- Roberts J, Moore D, 2006, Mapping the evidence base and use of acupuncture within the NHS, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham
- Australian Medical Association (AMA) – Acupuncture Overview
- Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) – Cosmetic Acupuncture
- University of Sydney – Acupuncture and Skin Health
- Queensland Government Health Department – Acupuncture in Holistic Health
- Acupuncture and Cutaneous Medicine: Is It Effective?
- University of Melbourne – Acupuncture and Immune Response
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) – Complementary Therapies
- Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine – Patient Satisfaction Study
- RSPCA Australia – Cruelty-Free Practices
- John Hopkins Medical
