Marina Rados and Kang Ja Lee, acupuncture practitioners at Cammeray Massage, have collaborated to provide some short answers to common questions related to pregnancy and acupuncture.
Here's our list of acupuncture in Pregnancy FAQs
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Most studies suggest that acupuncture is a proven safe and effective option for managing pregnancy-related discomforts including morning sickness, mood swings, fatigue, headaches, back pain, body aches and much more.
As is the case with any health condition, when considering acupuncture, it’s important to get treatment from a licensed and experienced acupuncturist.

What do I wear to an Acupuncture session?
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles used in acupuncture are significantly thinner than needles used for injections (which are hollow), and rarely are inserted as deeply. So, most of the time you will not feel anything at all, however occasionally a small prick sensation may be felt. Normally this subsides almost immediately.
What individuals feel may vary depending on their own apprehension and individual level of sensitivity and/or pain tolerance.

How will acupuncture help my stress levels and/or anxiety during pregnancy?
Acupuncture has a direct effect on the nervous system, reducing cortisol and adrenaline levels and releasing the happy hormones dopamine and serotonin. This can help to improve emotional clarity and a sense of well-being, which can be beneficial for both the pregnant woman and the developing baby.
Can acupuncture help with breech position babies?
Yes, acupuncture, often used in combination with moxibustion, can be beneficial in stimulating a breech baby to turn head-down. Studies suggest this method can increase the chances of a successful cephalic presentation (head-down) at birth, potentially reducing the need for a caesarean section.
The recommended time to start this treatment is around 33-36 weeks of pregnancy for most benefit.


Can acupuncture assist with inducing labour?
Yes, acupuncture can encourage the baby to descend into the birth canal through gentle stimulation of specific acupuncture points.
The effectiveness of labour induction acupuncture can vary from person to person.
Labour inducing acupuncture treatment can commence from 37 weeks onwards.
Do you offer Acupuncture for Fertility treatment?
Yes, Kang Ja Lee offers acupuncture fertility treatment at Cammeray Massage, including support for IVF and other reproductive health concerns.
Ideally, she recommends starting acupuncture treatments three to four months before trying to get pregnant. Likewise, allow three to four months of acupuncture before starting fertility treatments, such as IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Acupuncture can be helpful for treating different conditions related to fertility including:
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Issues with ovarian reserves
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Repeated pregnancy loss
- Side effects of fertility drugs, including bloating and nausea
- Sperm quality
- Stress and anxiety
- Unexplained infertility
This article collated from feedback supplied by Marina Rados BHSc (Acu) (AHPRA) and Kang Ja Lee BTCM (AHPRA), both practicing acupuncturists at Cammeray Massage clinic at time of writing.
If more information is required please contact the clinic and one of our acupuncturists can contact you.
As with any medical condition or concern we recommend open communication with your relevant primary health professionals when embarking on any treatment.
Edited by Jef Cockerill.
Some references used in collating this information:
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/acupuncture-during-pregnancy#purpose
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy-acupuncture.aspx
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4112450/
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-acupuncture-hurt
https://www.cochrane.org/CD003928/PREG_moxibustion-turning-baby-breech-position
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15280133/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11843784/
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/nicmhri/news/research_shows_acupuncture_may_help_prepare
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11183275/
https://monashivf.com/blog/acupuncture-and-fertility/