PREGNANCY ACUPUNCTURE
Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy? Yes.
Acupuncture is considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioner who is trained in obstetric acupuncture and follows appropriate safety protocols.
This page covers what the evidence shows, how we ensure safety at MRA, what changes across each trimester.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
How we know acupuncture
is safe in pregnancy
Acupuncture in pregnancy has been studied in numerous clinical trials and large observational studies. The evidence consistently shows a strong safety profile when treatment is delivered by qualified practitioners using sterile, single use needles and avoiding contraindicated points.
Adverse events associated with acupuncture in pregnancy are rare. When they do occur, they are typically minor, such as bruising, mild soreness at needle sites, or temporary tiredness after treatment. Serious adverse events are extremely rare in qualified clinical settings.
Many professional bodies, including the Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, acknowledge acupuncture as a therapy that may be used in pregnancy with appropriate practitioner qualifications and patient consent.
Sterile, single use needles only
All treatments use single-use, sterile, disposable needles that are opened fresh for each appointment.
We avoid acupuncture points that are traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy, selecting only points considered safe for each stage.
Needles are never placed on or near the abdomen during pregnancy.
You'll be positioned comfortably and safely throughout your treatment, side-lying or supported with pillows as your pregnancy progresses.
SAFETY DURING THE TRIMESTERS
What changes across each trimester
First Trimester :
Weeks 1 - 12
The first trimester requires gentle and nourishing treatment. We use fewer needles, avoid all activating and descending points, and take extra time on your history at each visit. Many patients come to us in early pregnancy specifically for nausea and anxiety both of which are well-supported applications with a strong safety record.
Our usual recommendation is weekly during the first trimester up until 12 weeks.
Second Trimester :
Weeks 13 - 26
Positioning adjustments become more important as your bump grows. We continue to avoid contraindicated points and adapt treatment to your current symptoms like pelvic girdle pain, back pain, reflux and sleep disturbance at this stage.
Our usual recommendation is monthly acupuncture during the second trimester.
Third Trimester :
Weeks 27 - 40+
From 36 weeks, we can begin introducing birth preparation points aimed at cervical ripening and labour preparation. These are only appropriate from this gestation earlier use of these points is contraindicated and we apply this strictly. Post-dates support and breech moxibustion are also offered in the third trimester with appropriate obstetric clearance.
Our usual recommendation is to attend acupuncture monthly throughout pregnancy, increasing to weekly from 36 weeks in the third trimester. If baby is breech, we recommend weekly treatment from 34 weeks.
Treated by Qualified Practitioners
At MRA, all three acupuncturists have dedicated their practice to reproductive and women's health this is not a general acupuncture clinic offering pregnancy treatment as a sideline.
All practitioners are AHPRA-registered acupuncturists30+ years combined clinical experience across the founding teamCurrent with the evidence base in reproductive and obstetric acupunctureRegular communication with obstetric teams when clinically appropriateFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your safety questions answered
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This is completely up to you. If you feel comfortable informing your midwife or obstetrician that you're having acupuncture then do that.
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Yes, with appropriate care. Acupuncture for first trimester nausea and anxiety has a strong safety record.
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Acupuncture is generally well-tolerated in pregnancy, if you have questions about using acupuncture in your current pregnancy please call us on (03) 9132 0287
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Yes acupuncture is commonly used to support cycle regulation and fertility while trying to conceive. see our Fertility Acupuncture page for more.