Pregnancy Acupuncture on the Gold Coast

Acupuncture can offer gentle, safe support throughout pregnancy. We see women at every stage, from the early weeks through to birth preparation, at our Paradise Point clinic on the Gold Coast.

Our practitioners are all AHPRA registered acupuncturist and AACMA members with years of clinical experience, including extensive work with pregnant women. Each session is adjusted to your trimester and what you're experiencing on the day.

Appointments are booked online or by phone.

Check Availability

You can view current availability and consultation pricing here

How acupuncture may support you during pregnancy

Acupuncture during pregnancy is gentle and specifically adapted for each trimester. We use carefully selected points that are safe and appropriate, avoiding any points that are contraindicated during pregnancy.

First trimester

Nausea and morning sickness (or all-day sickness, which is honestly super common)
Fatigue and low energy
Anxiety about the pregnancy, especially after loss or a long time trying
Headaches and migraines

Second trimester

Back and pelvic girdle pain
Heartburn and digestive discomfort
Sleep difficulties
Mood changes

Third trimester

Lower back and hip pain
Breech or posterior baby positioning (from 34 weeks)
Birth preparation and cervical ripening
Anxiety and stress about labour

Every pregnancy is different. What helps at 12 weeks is different to what helps at 38 weeks, and your treatment reflects that.

The nice thing is, most of these symptoms actually respond quite well to acupuncture.

Breech presentation and birth preparation

Moxibustion for breech babies

If your baby is in a breech position after 34 weeks, moxibustion (a gentle warming technique using a herb called Mugwort) may help encourage your baby to turn. This is one of the most well researched applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine in pregnancy.

We'll show you how to continue the technique at home between sessions. It's gentle, relaxing, and something your partner can help with too.

It's actually one of the gentler things we do, and couples tend to really enjoy the process together.

Pre-birth acupuncture (from 36 weeks)

Pre birth acupuncture is a series of weekly sessions from 36 weeks designed to help prepare your body for labour. Research suggests it may help with cervical ripening and may support a more efficient labour.

Pre-birth sessions focus on:

Supporting cervical ripening
Encouraging baby into an optimal position
Calming the nervous system and reducing pre birth anxiety
Building energy reserves for labour

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Yes. When performed by a qualified acupuncturist trained in pregnancy acupuncture, it's considered safe throughout all three trimesters.

We use specific pregnancy-safe acupuncture points and avoid any that are contraindicated. Conor has over 13 years of experience and has worked with hundreds of pregnant women.

Always let your midwife or obstetrician know you're having acupuncture. We're happy to communicate with your care team.

What the research shows

Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy is one of the most studied applications. A Cochrane review — considered the gold standard of medical evidence — found support for acupuncture and acupressure in reducing pregnancy-related nausea. For many women this is the thing that gets them through the first trimester.

Back and pelvic pain is another area with good support. Research has found acupuncture may be more effective than standard care alone for pregnancy-related lower back and pelvic pain — something a lot of women are told to just live with throughout their pregnancies.

For breech presentation, we use moxibustion (a warming technique applied near the little toe) from around 33–35 weeks. Research found it increased the rate of babies turning head-down compared to those who didn't receive treatment. It doesn't work every time, but the evidence is encouraging and the treatment itself is gentle.

Pre-birth acupuncture from 36 weeks has also been studied, with one New Zealand trial finding women who received regular sessions had a lower rate of medical induction than those who didn't.

We're always happy to talk through the evidence if you want to know more, including the limitations.

What to expect at your appointment

Your first pregnancy acupuncture session (60 minutes)

An unhurried conversation about your pregnancy, symptoms, and overall health
Gentle acupuncture treatment in a comfortable position (usually side lying as pregnancy progresses)
A suggested treatment plan based on your trimester and what you're experiencing
Time for any questions

How often should I come?

For specific symptoms (nausea, pain): weekly until symptoms improve, then as needed
For general pregnancy support: fortnightly through second and third trimester
For pre-birth preparation: weekly from 36 weeks until birth
For breech presentation: 2-3 sessions close together from 34 weeks

Pregnancy support with naturopathy

If you'd like more comprehensive support during pregnancy, our naturopath Hannah Ward can work alongside your acupuncture sessions. Hannah has a Masters in Clinical Reproductive Medicine and specialises in pregnancy and postnatal care.

Naturopathy during pregnancy can help with:

Nutritional support for each trimester
Safe herbal medicine for pregnancy symptoms
Iron, folate, and nutrient status support
Gestational diabetes dietary guidance
Preparing your body for breastfeeding and postpartum recovery

You can work with Conor, Hannah, or both. We'll help you figure out what makes sense for where you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Acupuncture is safe from early pregnancy when performed by a qualified practitioner. First trimester is actually when a lot of women seek us out for nausea and fatigue support. We use gentle techniques and carefully selected points that are safe in early pregnancy.
We understand the anxiety that comes with pregnancy after loss. Acupuncture is considered safe and many women find it supportive during this time, both physically and emotionally. We always work within what feels comfortable for you.
Many private health funds cover acupuncture under extras cover. We have a HICAPS terminal in the clinic for on the spot claims. Check with your fund for your specific coverage.
We recommend starting no later than 36 weeks, with weekly sessions until birth. If your baby is breech, we can start moxibustion from 34 weeks.
Of course. Partners are welcome at any appointment. For breech presentation, we actually teach your partner how to do the moxibustion technique at home.

Our Team

Care is provided by qualified practitioners with experience in women’s health, fertility, and nervous system support.

Hannah Ward

Conor Ward

Rachel Fitzpatrick

Sharni Croxford-Knight

Appointments are booked online or by phone.
You can view current availability and consultation pricing here.