Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy
Acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for all types musculoskeletal problems including pelvic and lower back pain during pregnancy.
The Research
Elden et al (2005) performed a randomised single blind controlled trial to examine the effects of acupuncture and stabilising exercises as an adjunct to standard treatment in 386 pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain. This trial was over a 6-week period and found that acupuncture was more effective than the other treatment options, especially for patient with one sided sacroiliac pain, one sided sacroiliac pain combined with symphysis pubis pain and double sided sacroiliac pain (click here for the full text article)
A systematic review by Ee (2008) looked at 3 trials that used acupuncture for the treatment of back and pelvic pain in pregnancy and found that acupuncture as an adjunct to the standard treatment was more effective than standard treatment alone and physiotherapy (click here for the abstract)
The References
Elden H et al. Effects of acupuncture and stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain: randomised single blind controlled trial. BMJ 2005; 331(7511):249-50
Ee CC et al. Acupuncture for pelvic and back pain in pregnancy: a systematic review. Am J Obstet Gynecol Mar 2008; 198(3):254-9